At the end of each year we can look back and reflect on the many trends that have taken the wellness world by storm. Here at Bloat No More, we hope that your 2023 was filled with growth, love, and happiness. In honor of the year we have just experienced, we want to highlight a number of different wellness trends that were especially prevalent. We hope these will spark some inspiration and motivate you to try them out in the new year!
What is a Digital Detox and Should You Consider Participating?
This past year, there was a shift in focus from optimizing our digital capabilities to actually minimizing our digital exposure. While the internet and our digital gadgets bring us great means of communication and connection to the world around us, spending too much time staring at a screen can actually cause adverse effects on one’s mental and physical state.
This is why many turned to what is described as a ‘digital detox’ to better their overall health and mindset. A digital detox is a period of time in which a person reduces their exposure to the internet and digital gadgets. The parameters surrounding a digital detox is completely up to the person and their needs, but here are some positive aspects of participating in a digital detox:
- Less stress and anxiety - The internet and social media can cause a rise in your anxiety and stress levels. Reducing your exposure to social media and avoiding constant exposure to other people’s lives can help you to focus on your own life without the added pressure to compare.
- Improved productivity levels - Sometimes having the world at our fingertips can make it hard for us to focus on what needs to get done. If you are someone who struggles with focusing on the tasks at hand, it might be prudent to participate in a digital detox to minimize your dependency on your digital gadgets.
- Reduces inflammation in the body - When your body is in a constant state of fight-or-flight, it becomes challenging for it to do its job. This leads to complications such as digestive ailments and inflammation. While the internet is not to blame for your digestive complications, reducing its impact on your mental health does have a direct link to other aspects of your health – including gut health.
The Benefits of Dry Brushing and When to Incorporate It Into Your Routine
Dry brushing refers to the process of using a dry-bristle brush to massage your body. This ritual is claimed to have many benefits including increasing one’s circulation, reducing inflammation, promoting detoxification, and improving one’s digestion.
Dry brushing acts as a form of exfoliation to your body, meaning that any dead skin cells would be taken off in the process. Our body is made up of a system of lymph nodes that are responsible for detoxifying our body from any waste that has built up. However, sometimes our lymph nodes can become clogged and unable to properly perform their job. When this does happen, we tend to experience adverse effects such as a leaky gut, inflammation, and sluggishness. Dry brushing is one way to help give your lymphatic system an extra boost of support and push it towards doing its job.
Since it is a type of massage, dry brushing can be a form of meditation and relaxation for many. Dry brushing tends to be done right before a shower, making it a wonderful and convenient addition to your wellness routine. This way, the dead skin cells that are taken off during the dry brushing process will be washed away when you shower.
There are tons of different types of dry brushes out there, so be sure to do your own research before deciding on one purchase. It is also important to note that dry brushing does have an impact on one’s skin. Usually dry brushing tends to have a positive impact on one’s skin, but for those with sensitive skin, dry brushing may not be for you.
Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements and What They Target
Apple cider vinegar is the juice that comes from the fermentation process of an apple. It contains a load of different nutrients that are essential and beneficial to one’s health. While apple cider vinegar has been used in the kitchen for a long period of time, its health benefits gained some major traction in the wellness world this year – specifically in the form of a vitamin for bloating and overall health.
Due to the potent smell and taste of apple cider vinegar, there has been a rise in the amount of people who are alternatively turning to apple cider vinegar in pill form. The pill form still offers you similar benefits, but is much more convenient in terms of how compact it is and the ease it offers. It might be beneficial to consume apple cider vinegar in pill form due to the possible erosion it can contribute to in regards to one’s mouth hygiene. The amount of apple cider vinegar found in the no bloat pills varies from type to type, so be sure to research the dosage you are taking and adjust accordingly.
Apple cider vinegar can specifically aid in digestion for those who struggle with low acid levels in their stomach. Acid is needed for your body to properly digest the foods one consumes, so if you struggle with low acid, then apple cider vinegar might be for you. However, in the long run, taking too much apple cider vinegar can also contribute to too high of acid levels leading to indigestion.
Be sure to consult with a physician before starting any new wellness trend so that they are able to best guide you in your wellness journey. These are just some of the many wellness trends that arose this past year. Be sure to check back before the end of 2023 for the last trending blog of the year where we will dive into a couple more wellness trends from this year!