8 Whole-Body Wellness Trends for 2018

The VOICE of Health

From Florida Hospital Apopka

Each year, a few new wellness trends seem to take over our Pinterest feeds, promising to help us lead a healthier, more balanced and fulfilling life. And who doesn’t want that? Here’s a peek at the hottest wellness trends to watch for – and try – in 2018.

8. Tai Chi Makes a Comeback

Slowly but surely (just like the practice itself), this ancient Chinese exercise has found new popularity. Tai Chi combines meditation, deep breathing and gentle, flowing movements for a restorative, low-impact workout for the mind, body and spirit. You can try it for yourself at Florida Hospital fitness centers.

7. Gut Check

Probiotics, prebiotics, gut fungi – there’s so much new research happening about gut health, it can be hard to, ahem, digest it all. But one thing is clear: more and more scientists consider the digestive tract to be ground zero for our overall health. If you’re interested in learning more about gut health and digestion, contact a Florida Hospital doctor using our Physician Finder.

6. A Good Night’s Sleep

Sleep had quite a year. There were breakthrough studies linking lack of sleep with weight gain, depression and early death, not to mention a plethora of new gadgets to help us sleep more and better. Thankfully, it looks like 2018 may be the year we finally see sleep as something we can’t compromise on. (We’ll be exploring that more in-depth in an upcoming sleep series, so stay tuned.)

5. Calming Yoga

It’s no secret that yoga has countless benefits for the mind, body and soul. After a hectic year, a soothing yoga flow can be a great way to calm the mind and begin the new year on a peaceful note. For experienced yogis, props like blocks and wheels can aid in deep stretches and more challenging postures.

4. Post-Workout Recovery

Trainers and fitness experts have forever sung the praises of post-workout cooldowns, but new trends give recovery an even greater role. Foam rollers can help muscles heal after a tough workout, while potassium-rich shakes and snacks keep your body nourished after the sweat-a-thon. Consult your doctor for more healthy recovery tips and recipes.

3. Self-Care for the Soul

As a wise person once said, “you gotta nourish to flourish.” Whether it’s a spirit-lifting staycation filled with books and bubble baths, dedicated spiritual practice or finally empowering yourself to say “no” to obligations you simply can’t (or don’t want to) take on, expect 2018 to be the year of taking care of you.

2. Digital Detox

There’s a rising chorus of doctors, scientists and even tech professionals warning against the dangers of allowing too much tech into our lives. One of the biggest trends for 2018 will be digital detoxes in the form of off-the-grid vacations, phone-free “mental cleanses” and social media fasts. Because sometimes you have to unplug to recharge your battery.

1. Strength Training

Fitness and body health used to be all about weighing less and dropping sizes, but strength has muscled its way to the top of the fitness hierarchy. Strength training not only builds muscle, it improves balance, burns fat and keeps your bones healthy. In 2018 the focus will be on feeling good in your body, and discovering just how strong you really are. If you’re interested in giving strength training a try, schedule a one-on-one consultation with a trainer at a Florida Hospital fitness center.