Top Ten Health and Wellness Trends for 2020

Just a short intro here as I don’t want this post to be excessively long…It seems we’re at a crossroad here with health and wellness, a dichotomy, if you will.  I noticed these trends can be divided into two categories, those that incorporate technology and those that avoid tech all together.  There are two schools of thought here, incorporate tech into everything you do, or we all need a break from the technology that dominates almost every aspect of our lives.  As you read the following health and wellness trends, you decide which is right for you.

• Telemed(icine). Telemed refers to the growing trend of remote patient care which can involve video conferencing, remote patient monitoring, and document sharing (charts, x-rays etc).  We’ve moved from in-home doctor visits to the patient going to the doctor to this: neither patient nor doctor leaves their location.  Some patients now wear mobile medical devices at home that transmit vital readings, such as blood pressure and heart rate, to a medical professional at a remote location.  Check out Teladoc to learn more.

• Seeds as a source for micronutrients like vitamins A and E, calcium, antioxidants, iron, fiber, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorous. Seeds, such as chia, sesame, flax, hemp, pumpkin, sunflower, pomegranate, poppy, wild rice, quinoa, and pine nuts provide these micronutrients and more.  Seeds: they ain’t just for birds.

• Group meditation. I know, it seems counter-intuitive, but meditating in a group helps one feel less alone and more connected to others.  Devotees also claim a greater sense of calmness, empathy, bonding and that the group keeps them coming back.  If you are new to the meditation scene, learn more at headspace.

• Music (or sound) therapy. We’ve known for centuries that music has charms that soothes the savage beast, but it can also lower stress, treat PTSD, anxiety and depression as well.  Different programs involve not only listening to music, but also singing, moving to the beat, and/or playing an instrument.  Most programs are led by an accredited music therapist.

• Plant-based meats. Yes, I realize that’s an oxymoronic statement, but this trend, which began last year, will continue to “grow” in 2020.  It seems even the most ardent carnivore is realizing the benefits of limiting their intake of red meat.  From the Impossible Burger to Beyond Meat, meatless meat choices are everywhere.  There are now meatless chicken, pork and seafood choices.  Most contain plant proteins (whey and pea), spices, binders and fiber.

• Solo group workouts via online exercise classes, such as those utilized by Peloton…just don’t buy one for your wife and then fat-shame her into using it. Through the use of a screen, you can gain access to a motivational instructor, group competition, fantastical locations, and group support.  Most require a monthly fee, but it can be cheaper than a gym membership.

• CBD or cannabidiol, and no, I’m not getting all Cheech and Chong on you. CBD can be derived from both hemp and pot, but unlike THC, it is not psychoactive…it doesn’t make you high.  However, what it seems to do is help treat different epilepsy syndromes, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chronic pain and the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments associated with cancer.  It might also give you the munchies.

• Red light therapy which I might have received from a German prostitute while in the army. Actually, people are using red light LEDs (light emitting diodes) to treat skin issues such as wrinkles, scars, psoriasis, and persistent wounds.  Red light therapy is part of a larger wellness trend known as biohacking which refers to anything that changes our chemistry and/or physiology through science and technology. Biohacking ranges from the simple (diet and lifestyle changes) to the complex (wearable tech and genetic engineering).

• Deep nature therapy simply refers to fully immersing yourself in nature to promote creativity, cognitive functions, and social bonds if done with a group. It can be done artificially in a spa, or genuinely in a forest, ocean, jungle or any other natural setting.  The Japanese refer to it as “shinrin-yoku” or forest bathing.  Learn more about forest therapy here.

• AI wellness coach to assist you achieve your health and wellness goals through your phone’s data tracking capabilities. Various apps track your daily habits and then make “gentle” suggestions to keep you on the straight and narrow.  It can suggest specific workouts, dietary choices, and help you with your grocery list.  However, be warned, health insurance companies might eventually use these apps to track your lifestyle choices and then adjust your rates accordingly.

It you’re interested in any of the above trends, simply Google it (or them) and you’ll get more information than you desire.  Next, just choose those that appeal the most to you and your sensibilities.