How To Stay Well In 2024

Boosting by the idea of preventive health and improving one's quality of life, wellness has now become a trend in itself. It's about feeling good in both your body and mind achieved by striking a balance by eating nutritious food, getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and taking care of your mental and emotional health. Every year we need new wellness approaches climbing the top of people's priority lists and 2024 is going to be no different. Below, experts reveal how to stay well in 2024. 

Living well

Hit the snooze button

“Sleep deprivation is becoming an epidemic. More and more people are depriving themselves of this crucial activity across all age groups, whether it is kids, teens, or adults,” says Luke Coutinho, Integrative Lifestyle Expert.

Why do you need to focus on getting good quality sleep? Because it's vital for immunity, fat loss, metabolism, heart health, cognition, fertility, skin and hair health, emotional well-being, longevity, inflammation, and gut health. During sleep, your body engages in deep cleansing, repair, rejuvenation, and restoration. And chronic sleep deprivation can have a profound impact on overall health, affecting various aspects from head to toe.  

Luke reveals simple steps if taken consistently can impact the quality of our sleep:

• Go to bed at the same time every day.
• Sleep in a pitch-dark room
• Dine according to circadian rhythm
• Get morning sunlight to promote intracellular melatonin production
• Switch off gadgets an hour before bedtime

⁠Spirituality isn't just a social media trend

“In today's world, many folks find spirituality more relatable. It's become popular, especially with Gen Z, because people are feeling more disconnected and unhappy than before,” reveals Luke. He elaborates that excessive social media and technology usage contribute to the prevailing negativity. Faced with widespread suffering and distressing global events beyond our control, individuals instinctively seek solace in higher powers or the divine. Finding comfort and peace in their chosen spiritual paths is a beautiful response to the overwhelming challenges of our time.

Emotional wellness is crucial too

Luke confesses, “In recent times, our culture has begun prioritizing emotional wellness through various practices. Individuals are adopting the habit of expressing their feelings openly, whether through conversations with friends or journaling. Seeking guidance from mental health experts has also become more common, providing valuable tools to navigate emotional challenges.”

Additionally, people are discovering comfort and expressing themselves through hobbies like music, painting, and writing. These creative pursuits not only allow for self-discovery but also enhance emotional well-being. It's impressive how many now have the freedom to choose a lifestyle that resonates with them.

Furthermore, a rising phenomenon involves people engaging in community service. Volunteering and assisting others not only instil a sense of purpose but also cultivate a positive environment, greatly impacting emotional health. These activities collectively signify a cultural shift towards acknowledging and actively seeking emotional wellness.

Eating well 

“In 2024, as the pursuit of wellness continues to shape our dietary choices, several food trends are poised to take centre stage. These trends not only cater to our taste buds but also align with the overarching goal of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, confesses nutritionist Apurva Agarwal.

Plant-based innovations

You can expect a spike in innovative plant-based alternatives that give traditional meats a run for their money. With sustainability and health consciousness joining forces, pioneers in the food industry are excited to present plant-based options adept at replicating the taste and texture of meat with surprising authenticity. Whether it's meticulously crafted plant-based seafood or burgers, these alternatives are set to captivate the palates of both vegans and flexitarians, acting as a guilt-free and eco-conscious protein source.

Gut-healthy foods

“The growing awareness of the gut-brain connection has fuelled interest in foods that promote a healthy microbiome. Fermented foods like kimchi, kombucha, and kefir will continue to gain popularity as they contribute beneficial probiotics to support digestive health. Additionally, prebiotic-rich foods such as chicory root, garlic, and onions will be in the spotlight for their ability to nourish the existing beneficial bacteria in our gut,” reveals Apurva.

Functional superfoods

Highlighting the role of food as medicine will usher in functional superfoods that are loaded with nutritional benefits. Everyday meals will feature ingredients such as moringa, ashwagandha, and turmeric, adding not just robust flavours but a plethora of health advantages. Packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and adaptogens, these superfoods will become essential components of a wellness-focused diet.

Mindful eating tech

“With the integration of technology into our daily lives, expect an emergence of apps and devices designed to promote mindful eating," reveals Apurva. These tools enable individuals to monitor both their calorie intake and the nutritional content of their meals. With personalised nutrition plans and immediate feedback, people can make informed choices, cultivating a healthier connection with food.

Travelling well 

Did you know that a study by the World Tourism Association covering 48 countries revealed that over one-fourth of people (24%) are very likely to plan a wellness vacation in the next two years? Additionally, 78% already incorporate wellness activities into their travel plans. With stats like these, it's no wonder that 2024 will see travel and wellness trends intertwine.

Choosing comprehensive wellness getaways

According to Chenot Palace Gabala, the surge in popularity for holistic escapes mirrors a growing inclination towards well-being experiences among travellers. These escapes blend luxury with health-focused to-do lists set in natural surroundings. Aligned with the industry's shift towards overall well-being, these escapes provide a transformative journey, meticulously curating every element to enhance health. It also points to the emergence of personalised wellness journeys catering to diverse individual needs.

Being well

Aaditya Bharadwaj, co-founder, Mahati Wellness reveals, "We anticipate a rising trend in Holistic Movement Fusion, where diverse movement practices seamlessly blend to enhance physical and mental well-being. This approach combines elements of yoga, posture alignment, primal movements, pranayama and mindfulness exercises, offering a comprehensive and enjoyable wellness experience. Holistic Movement Fusion caters to individuals seeking a balanced and varied routine that promotes flexibility, strength, rehabilitation and overall health." Other wellbeing trends that Bharadwaj spoke about are:

• Harmonious well-being; the rise of sound healing, integrating instruments like singing bowls and gongs into meditation and movement. The therapeutic use of sound vibrations offers a unique, immersive approach to wellness in 2024.
• Nature-driven retreats; a growing interest in wellness retreats embracing nature. With outdoor activities, eco-friendly practices, and serene environments, these retreats aim to reconnect individuals with nature's healing power, promoting overall well-being.
• Specialised meditations; a surge in unique meditation sessions, such as full moon meditations. Aligned with celestial events, these sessions enhance spiritual connection and self-awareness, providing transformative experiences on the wellness journey.