This year has been looking quite different from what we all had planned for or envisioned. From many fitness studios/gyms remaining closed, limited stock and options at your local health food store, and lacking the motivation to workout from home or cook yourself anything that doesn’t come from a box. But just because this year wasn’t what we thought it would be when listing out our New Year resolutions, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t (or can’t) still be working towards your health & wellness goals and achieving your best self.
Although 2020 brought us a lot of scary and ominous headlines and a stay-at-home order, this year also brought us a lot of wellness trends that are more focused on self-care and mental health. With that, here are 6 wellness trends you can easily do from home!
1. Tech detox
Different forms of detoxing are all the rage in the wellness industry. But have you ever considered taking a tech detox?
Is your phone attached to you at all times? Do you become anxious just thinking about how many emails are piling up in your inbox? Or, do you feel like everyone on Instagram has a much more exciting life than you? If you reach for your phone as soon as you wake up, can’t remember the last time you read a paperback book with actual pages, or have a million excuses why you can’t find the time to start that meditation practice, consider going on a tech detox! For instance, there are many studies that show how technology can contribute to high levels of stress, the strain on relationships and family, attention deficit disorder symptoms, certain mental disorders, and even health problems including cancer.
Therefore, as much as it may pain you to consider, it could be time for a detox, a voluntary reduction in your use of technology. Whether this means keeping your phone in your car while you’re bike riding with your friend, turning off Netflix for an entire afternoon of reading or cleaning, designate a specific amount of time to go tech-free. In fact, try going a full day once a week without checking social media, or simply go tech-free for an hour before bed.
With this, if you find it difficult to designate a specific amount of time to go tech-free, try designating a specific space in your home. Whether it’s your kitchen table or bedroom, setting tech-free rules for your space helps set expectations and guidelines. A designated tech-free area can help remind you to put away phones during meals or to turn off Netflix before bed!
2. All-natural skincare
Throughout my middle school and high school years, I struggled with acne. With that came years and years of trial and error with so many skincare products. I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of money that I probably spent in skincare all the way up to last year! Although I am at a much better place with my skin, and I only get the occasional break out around a certain time, (ladies, you feel me), it has taken about 9 to 10 years of constant trial and error to find what finally worked. An all-natural, healthy skincare routine!
A gentle, all-natural, and non-toxic skincare regime is so vital for the overall health of your skin. And not just on your face! We are exposed to numerous toxins and pollutants each day. However, it is not just the outdoors where we can come into contact with these toxins. Our bodies absorb everything that we put into our skin!
From the lotions and moisturizers that we put on, to the body mist and perfume that we use. When it comes to basic, conventional skincare products such as cleansers, soaps, oils, and scrubs, most are loaded with ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin, aggravate acne, and even cause the appearance of premature aging. However, this is where non-toxic and all-natural skincare products come into play! For the past year, I have been loving and raving about the brand Primally Pure and all of the products that they have to offer!
Before Primally Pure, I was trying out every prestigious brand at Sephora and Ulta hoping and praying that this overpriced face wash, toner, or serum would finally work for me! This went on for years until I realized, the other products that I use could be contributing to my skin irritation, uneven skin tone, uneven texture, and acne! It wasn’t until I realized that all of these products come into play when they are absorbed into the skin.
Therefore, I started to read the ingredients labels on each of my skincare products. I was shocked to find ingredient lists with words I couldn’t come close to pronouncing! So I immediately said enough was enough with these “popular” brands, and did a full skincare detox and removed the products I had been using. I did my research on all-natural and non-toxic skincare brands, and that was when I found Primally Pure! And I haven’t turned back!
3. Tracking your cycle
Now that many of us are either working or taking classes from home, this means you’re probably spending a lot more time bingeing Netflix, learning TikTok dances, or cleaning out your junk drawer. With the extra time you have at home, why not spend a little more time getting to know your reproductive system better? The latest trend in menstrual health is not just holistic gynecology or non-toxic tampons (although both are great!), but tracking your cycle to find out what foods, workouts, and lifestyle tips are best for your body during each phase. To track my cycle, I use the app, Clue, for years. However, there are tons of different period tracking apps out there, such as MyFlo. These apps will give you information about each day of your cycle.
Along with this, women can actually use period tracking as a hack to achieve better productivity depending on which phase of their cycle they are in! Perfect to know for the new work-from-home schedule as well!
4. Tongue scraping
Let me introduce you to the simple-yet-effective practice that is missing from your daily wellness routine: tongue scraping. I know it sounds strange, but keep reading because you’re going to want to incorporate this tool into your everyday life. A tongue scraper is an inexpensive yet transformative little tool that is designed to remove extra particles and bacteria from the surface of your tongue. It’s a simple, thin, u-shaped piece of stainless steel and consists of a (not sharp!) blunted edge that also removes plaque and build-up from the surface of the tongue. This little tool has become a total non-negotiable in my daily wellness routine!
Additionally, the tongue scraper/cleaner comes from the tradition of Ayurveda, an ancient form of medicine. Some experts even say that people who use a tongue scraper express themselves more thoughtfully, and speak more authoritatively and sincerely. With that, many people ask if the same effect can be gained by brushing the tongue with a stiff toothbrush. Although brushing the tongue moves stuff around and is helpful, a tongue cleaner is much more effective as it clears out the deep deposits and actually removes debris. A tongue scraper also helps to fight cavities by removing excess bacteria from the mouth!
Here are a few of the health benefits:
- Removes excess bacteria, fungus, toxins, and food particles from your mouth that accumulates during digestion. This is waste that you want out of your body, not back in! Your digestion can be improved as well when you help remove this waste.
- Reduces bad breath. Scraping your tongue has actually been proven to be more beneficial at reducing and preventing bad breath than brushing your teeth. This is because the bacteria that sits on your tongue is often the exact bacteria that can cause bad breath.
- Reduces cravings by cleaning the tongue of leftover food. It allows you to taste more subtle flavors in food so that you can enjoy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains more. When any old residue is removed from the tongue, you will be better able to taste your food and won’t need to eat as much since you will have gained greater satisfaction from your meal.
- Enhances your taste buds. By removing the coating on your tongue, your tastebuds have more intense access to food.
- Boosts the immune system. Think of your tongue as the first line of defense against illness and bacteria. The toxins that stick around on your tongue can be reabsorbed by the body and weaken the immune system.
- Improves your breath. The tongue cleaner prevents bad breath, especially for people who eat a lot of foods containing dairy and build up mucus in the mouth, nose, and throat.
Click here to learn the correct way to use a tongue-scraper to up your daily wellness game!
5. Switching up your essential oils
For years I never really considered the ingredients that were in my essential oils. I simply thought that every brand was created the same way, with the same all-natural ingredients. But I soon found out I was wrong! Where you purchase your essential oils is highly important! For example, a brand may say that their essential oils are all-natural, but that doesn’t always mean they are ethically sourced.
Additionally, it doesn’t always mean that the company is providing you 100% pure essential oils without any additives. Did you know that some companies even add pesticides to their oils? I had no clue! This is why I have switched to Simply Earth essential oils! All of Simply Earth’s essential oils are:
- Ethically sourced
- Formulated from pesticide-free sources
- GC/MS tested for purity in every batch
- Free of any additives – contains zero fillers and contaminants
- Affordable without sacrificing quality
- Free of artificial fragrances
But what I love the most about Simply Earth is there monthly essential oils subscription box! For only $39 you receive a box full of 4 all-natural essential oils, recipe cards for a healthy, toxic-free home, and all of the containers/supplies you will need to create the recipes! The monthly subscription box precisely takes the overwhelm and stress out of which oils to purchase. Not to mention, the best ways to use them! If you are interested in hearing more about Simply Earth, check out this post! Also, how to receive a $40 gift card for your next Simply Earth purchase!
6. Focusing on your mental health
The past several months have been a wake-up call for numerous reasons. However, one of the biggest was that we were not prioritizing our mental health. Self-care has been trending for years when it comes to face masks and bubble baths. But this year, we were all forced to prioritize self-care in the ways that are best for us and will actually help us feel better. Perhaps you’ve taken action by prioritizing yourself or booking a session with a therapist, or maybe you’re still struggling like many of us are.
All in all, staying safe at home doesn’t have to be an excuse for not getting the help you need. In fact, many therapists are offering sessions over Zoom, and apps like Talkspace are revolutionizing virtual therapy. Or, if you were already seeing a therapist, simply ask if they can meet with you virtually. Besides being honest about what you need to calm anxiety and stress, bring your mental health into everything you do. This includes creating work-life balance, eating mindfully, and working out to release stress instead of burning calories.
I hope you found this post helpful and motivating for upping your wellness game at home! What wellness trends are trying out at home? Let me know in the comments!
Have a beautiful day!
xo, Cydney
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