If the new year has got you thinking about what you want to do more of and less of in 2022 and how you want to change your life, a big part of your thought process has likely revolved around your mental and physical health and wellbeing. If so, you’re not alone.
Now is the perfect time to set some achievable goals for yourself this year. You might get inspired to develop and achieve them by checking out some of the top health and wellness trends that seem set to have an impact in 2022.
Long Walks and More Time in Nature
The global pandemic meant most of us were cooped up inside more than usual. However, the upshot of the stay-at-home restrictions was that many of us realized just how enjoyable and valuable long walks could be. While in the heat of the pandemic our walking may have been more for sanity than anything, in 2022, people are focused more on walking with no real purpose and simply to enjoy the fresh and nature.
Also, this year will likely see increasing numbers of people take to forest bathing for their mental and physical health. A type of meditative, stress-relieving exercise in the woods, forest bathing began back in the eighties in Japan as a psychological practice that involves simply being in a forested area (or any other available pocket of nature) and soaking in the silence. Escape from your tech-driven life and stand or sit in a green space to enjoy time being still, breathing deeply, and relaxing.
Use of Plant-Based Alternatives for Health Treatments and Pain Management
While we’re always going to take advantage of prescribed pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications as needed, in 2022, there is a trend to use more natural, plant-based alternatives to treat various conditions and cope with pain. For example, nervine herbs that support the nervous system will be used for stress relief. These products include chamomile, passionflower, lemon balm, and skullcap, and they can be used in loose-leaf teas or tinctures, among other methods.
Also growing in popularity, especially as more and more states legalize marijuana, is the use of cannabis to feel better. In particular, people use weed or CBD oil to deal with chronic pain and other pain management needs. If this isn’t something you’ve tried yourself yet, it pays to do some research. Search online for a local dispensary near you, such as the ones found at https://weedmaps.com/dispensaries/in/united-states/maine.
Psychedelics have been used in numerous ways for thousands of years, but in 2022, they’re really coming back into vogue as a health and wellness solution. Some people find such substances can help improve mood, combat mental health challenges, and aid personal, spiritual, and creative development. You’ll have to check the status of where you can legally and safely use psychedelics, and do check with a doctor first, but you may find these types of plant-based products helpful. Experts lead even some global multi-night retreats that you can sign up for to enjoy a guided and supervised experience.
Focus on Quality Sleep
We all know that quality sleep is vital for good physical health and mental wellbeing. It’s no surprise, then, especially after the chaos of the last two years, that a trend in 2022 focuses on better sleep. People are set to be developing better sleep hygiene habits to switch off more effectively and will likely buy supplements that support them in obtaining deeper sleep. Plus, consumers will be using more tech tools to track their sleeping habits and learn how to make adjustments for the better.
Use of Next-Generation Wearables
Speaking of technology, next-generation wearables continue to impress and make waves in health and wellness, making them a prime trend for 2022. The latest wearable devices can help us disrupt bad habits and commit to better ones by providing access to many handy data points and insights.
For example, watches and apps can monitor our blood oxygen levels, sleep and movement, body temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate variability, and more. This year it seems such products will be particularly focused on general wellbeing and achieving balance, not just on gamifying health and fitness as has typically been the focus in the past.
As you go about your 2022, why not think about the various health and wellness trends and consider if you’d like to work them into your life, too. One or all of them may help you live a happier, healthier existence this year and beyond.
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