Today I’m Dani Blum, a reporter for Welldesk, filling in for Jancy Dunn. Part of my job is making sense of the countless wellness trends sweeping the internet. Some days I’m chasing answers to age-old questions, and other days I’m researching new products.
As summer approaches and we enter the second half of the year, let’s take a look back at the health trends that will define 2024 so far.
Water, water, everywhere
The water wars have flared up, and they’re brutal, thanks to #Watertok, a passionate online community that extolls the benefits of hydration and sparks debate over how much water people should drink per day, and whether plain old water is enough.
So how and how often should you refill your water bottle? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and most people can stay hydrated by drinking water when they’re thirsty. But keep an eye out for those dark stains that build up at the bottom of your water bottle. If you’re worried that it’s mold, the answer is (sorry) yes.
Improved gut health
Products that claim to heal and improve the gut have become a staple of health culture. In 2024, the gut is in a hotbed of glamour: Pastel-colored cans of prebiotic soda hit the shelves, the microbiome is mainstream, and people are adding apple cider vinegar to their drinks in hopes of curing acid reflux.
Amid all the fuss, gastroenterologists are hoping to clarify a few things: There are ways to help your gut, but few are trendy: Eating plenty of fiber, limiting processed foods, and reducing stress can help keep your stomach healthy.
The gym becomes luxurious
Equinox rolled out new programs this spring with eye-popping prices: For $40,000 a year, customers can sign up for a longevity program that includes exercise, nutrition and sleep coaching. Some high-end exercise chains have also launched individualized programs for people taking drugs like Ozempic to help them avoid losing too much muscle mass while taking the medication.
Gym programs may be more luxurious, There are plenty of quick and free ways you can enhance your workout. I’ve shared some exercise programs you can do in 20 minutes or less, including core workouts, HIIT routines that are easy on your joints, and my favorite, an 8.5 minute workout that brings you joy.
A year of rest and relaxation
“Hurkle-durkling” isn’t just a bunch of vowels: the Scottish phrase became popular on social media this year after people discovered it was the new word for lazing around in bed.
People have also embraced the joys of resting on the floor – some people online have dubbed themselves “floor people” – lying flat on the floor is a way to keep one’s feet grounded.
Some have reached for (slightly) stronger drinks to help them rest. Earlier this year, I reported on the so-called Sleepy Girl mocktail, a homemade blend of tart cherry juice, carbonated water, and magnesium that many influencers said was the secret to better sleep. The placebo effect is strong, and the drink may work for some. But many people I spoke to, including sleep experts, only had a bottle of cherry juice left in their fridge.
But there are some time-tested tricks to improve the quality of your sleep: Sleep doctors recommend blocking out time between your daily routine and bedtime, preferably without looking at a screen, to relax by listening to a podcast, knitting, or colouring. Limiting your alcohol and caffeine intake can also help.
One sleep expert I spoke to shared a helpful tip for beating the afternoon slump without caffeine, especially for summer: Instead of drinking another cup of coffee, put your brain in the freezer to give it a boost.
May the rest of 2024 be full of vitality.
Ghosting seems inevitable. Is it really?
It’s a modern dating cliché: everyone’s been ghosted, everyone’s had the (possibly unfortunate) experience of losing contact while on a date. Katherine Pearson offers a primer on how to deal with ghosting, and suggests better alternatives to disappearing from your relationship.
Read the article: Ghosting is an inevitable part of dating, but is it still okay?
How healthy is watermelon?
Yes! Caroline Hopkins explains the many exciting benefits of summer fruits, including keeping you hydrated.
Read the article: Is watermelon good for your health?
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Keep the conversation going: Follow Well on Instagram or email us at well_newsletter@nytimes.com. Also, check out last week’s newsletter on the benefits of crafting.
