Every January we – like so many – resolve to be more fit, to eat healthier food, and to achieve serenity. Sure, we’re likely to fall short. But hope springs eternal – and small steps forward are still helpful to our long-term well-being. We’ve shared the top fitness trends of 2019 for those looking to get or stay in shape. And the healthy eating trends of 2019 for those focused on nutrition. Now we close the circle by assessing to the top wellness trends you need to know for 2019.
what are the top wellness trends you need to know for 2019?
We scoured the web for insights and information on the latest and newest ways to build and maintain our level of wellness and sense of well-being. There’s no magic solution. But there are some really interesting ideas – and some that just sound like fun (we’re looking at you, ocean healing).
Here are 10 wellness trends that may help set the stage for a more balanced 2019:
1. IV Drips
As we have noted in a previous post, IV drips have been the hangover cure of choice in certain circles for a while now. The trend for 2019 seems to be that IVs can also be part of a regular healthy lifestyle. IV drips loaded with a bespoke cocktail of vitamins and nutrients to support the immune system or to boost energy are increasingly available in the same way that massages and exercise classes are.
For example, Drip Doctors in downtown Los Angeles offers more than two dozen intravenous drips and booster shots to increase energy, promote faster recovery and aid in weight loss. The most luxurious is the $220 Limitless IV vitamin drip. And they also do house calls.
VitaSquad in Miami Beach and The I.V. Doc in New York offer similar vitamin drips. In London, the Elixir Clinic launches at the impossibly chic boutique hotel The Ned this month.
The Elixir Clinic Vitadrip
2. Work + networking + wellness
Whether in existing co-working spaces like We Work (the company’s wellness concept is called Rise by We) or in new spaces like soon-to-open social wellness club The Well in Manhattan, busy professionals increasingly have holistic health and wellness options at their fingertips, 24/7. Co-working spaces and social clubs are increasingly focused on providing classes in yoga, breathwork, and meditation, and having on-site specialists to foster a holistic approach to life, work and wellness.
The new social wellness club in Manhattan, The Well
3. crystal-infused spa treatments
The spiritual element of health and wellness continues to rise to the forefront at luxury spas. Crystals, in particular, are more and more prevalent, with holistic crystal therapists on hand to incorporate stones into facials, massage, body scrubs and other therapies.
The most common additions are rose quartz, amethyst, and tiger’s eye. For example, “The Couple’s Journey” spa treatment at the Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles is designed to strengthen a couple’s bond. The treatment begins with guided meditation with a crystal grid (of clear quartz, carnelian, and black tourmaline) followed by a massage, when more crystals are placed directly on the body.
The spa at the Six Senses Zil Payson in the Seychelles
At our favorite hotel in Florence, The Four Seasons, the luxurious crystal facial pairs 24-karat gold and citrine crystals to tackle pollution-damaged skin.
Expect to see a proliferation of crystal-infused skin and beauty treatments in 2019, including those from emerging brands like Herbivore Botanicals and Ila.
4. Home hormone tests
The trend toward ever-more-personalized medicine and supplements continues, with a new frontier opening in DIY-hormone tests. Utilizing an at-home saliva test that gets sent back to a lab, consumers can get a personalized analysis of their hormone fluctuations.
For example, if your cortisol and DHEA (stress hormones) levels are out of balance, you’ll know why you might have a hard time getting out bed. “Healthcare is moving to the home,” says the founder of one home testing product. From tests for fertility to levels of heavy metals in the blood to microbiome profiles – if you’re willing to collect the sample, you’ll be able to get answers no matter where you live.
A home hormone test kit
5. Sleep Tech
Achieving a sound night’s sleep continues to be the holy grail for many in the wellness arena. We’ve previously reported on how to get the best night’s sleep that money can buy, with the best mattress, sheets, sleepwear, and sleep aids.
The new year is likely to bring new advancements in sleep technology. For example, Prince Harry has been spotted wearing an Oura ring to monitor sleep (uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, apparently). Smart mattresses are becoming even more intelligent. The new ASTI LectroFan Micro 2 is a portable sound machine that works for up to 40 hours without a charge.
The Oura Ring Collection
6. Sound therapy
While some practitioners say that sound healing has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years, there is new focus on the positive impact that sound therapy can have. Sound can facilitate shifts in our brainwave state, similar to the way that breathing can when one meditates. It may therefore be helpful in alleviating stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.
A session of sound healing might involve the use of voice, drumming, tuning forks and Himalayan singing bowls. Or participants might “bathe” in the sounds and vibrations of a gong. If you want to give a try, the therapy is now available in many luxury spas the world over. Vogue reports that the boutique Mandrake Hotel in London is offering therapeutic “binaural sound immersions, live crystal bowls, and full moon gong baths.”
Sound Therapy
7. Ocean healing
We’re huge believers in the benefits of forest bathing. And walking a labyrinth as a form of meditation. The newest interaction with nature focuses on the ocean.
It’s increasingly being proven that our brains are hardwired to react positively to water. Meaning that being near the ocean can calm us, and perhaps even increase our level of creativity.
You can do this on your own, of course, at the closest beach. If you prefer being in expert hands, though, the Ocean Healing Program at the Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives transports guests to a desert island for wave mediation, and yoga and breathwork in an underwater space surrounded by tropical sea life.
Ocean Therapy
8. Dry January
The Dry January movement continues to grow, with more and more people taking the month off in terms of alcohol consumption. Doctors indicate that there are real health benefits from it – most people reported slight weight loss and better sleep. And they were still drinking less several months into the new year.
Bars and cocktail lounges have taken note. Mixologists are crafting “mocktails” and housemade sodas. Shrubs are making a comeback, too. They’re savory blends of vinegar and herbs or fruit that can be mixed into cocktails or served straight with carbonated water.
9. Eating Clean
The word on the street is that with the publication this month of Gwyneth Paltrow’s latest cookbook, The Clean Plate: Eat. Reset. Heal. eating “clean” will once again rise to the top of the list for healthy eating practices and self-care.
10. Robotics
Finally, fresh from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, comes word of a new generation of bots that are designed to improve our health and wellness.
Samsung introduced its platform of bots that address needs in healthcare, air quality monitoring, retail and fitness. For example, the Bot Care robot (not yet available for purchase) can measure users’ blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and sleeping state. It is also capable of reminding them when it’s time to take their medicine.
The ElliQ robot from Intuition Robotics is a companion designed for senior citizens living alone. Friendly and interactive, it responds to voice commands while also keeping tabs on its owner in case relatives want to monitor their conditions.
Seeking peace of mind? The Bocco Emo robot, to be released in the fall of 2019, reads text messages aloud, controls your smart home devices and notifies you if your doors are locked (or not).
Coming soon: The Bocco Emo Robot
Don’t know about you, but we’re feeling better already. That’s it – our round-up of the top wellness trends you need to know for 2019.
What do you think? Are you up for these? And what did we miss? Whatever your wellness plan, we hope it’s a healthy and happy 2019 for you and yours.
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