I’m Dani Blum, a reporter at the Well Desk, now filling in for Jancee Dunn. Part of my job is making sense of the endless array of wellness trends taking over the internet. Some days, that means searching for answers to age-old questions; other days, I’m learning about new products.
As we head into summer and the second half of the year, let’s take a look back at the health trends that have defined 2024 so far.
Water, water, everywhere
The water wars are raging, and they’re fierce. Thanks to #Watertok. A fierce online community is touting the benefits of hydration and sparking debates about how much water people should drink each day and whether plain old H2O is enough.
So how and how often should you refill your water bottle? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and most people can stay hydrated simply by grabbing water when they’re thirsty. But watch out for the black gunk that can build up at the bottom of your water bottle. If you’re wondering if it’s mold, the answer is yes (sorry).
Gut health improves
Products that claim to heal and boost your gut have become a staple of wellness culture. In 2024, the gut has taken on a new lease of life: pastel cans of prebiotic soda have hit store shelves; the microbiome has become a hot topic; and people are adding apple cider vinegar to their drinks, hoping to cure acid reflux.
Amid all the hype, gastroenterologists want to make a few things clear: There are ways to help your gut, but few are trendy. Eat plenty of fiber, limit processed foods, and reduce stress to keep your belly happy and healthy.
Gyms are getting chic
This spring, Equinox announced a new program with a surprising price tag: For $40,000 a year, customers could sign up for a comprehensive longevity program that included exercise, nutrition, and sleep coaching. Some high-end gym chains have also launched customized programs for people taking medications like Ozempic, to help prevent them from losing too much muscle mass while on the drugs.
Even though gymnastics programs are becoming more and more sophisticated, There are plenty of ways to step up your workout, quickly and for free. We’ve outlined several workouts you can do in 20 minutes or less, including a core workout, a joint-friendly HIIT routine, and, my favorite, an eight-and-a-half-minute workout to bring you joy.
Our year of rest and relaxation
“Hurkle-durkling” is more than just a collection of vowels: the Scottish expression became popular on social media this year, when people discovered a new term for lingering in bed.
People have also enjoyed the pleasure of resting on the ground. For “floor people,” as some call themselves online, lying flat on the ground is a way to stay grounded.
Others have opted for something (slightly) stronger to get them to rest. Earlier this year, I wrote about the Sleepy Girl mocktail, a homemade blend of tart cherry juice, sparkling water, and magnesium that many influencers have claimed is the secret to better sleep. The placebo effect is strong, and the drink may work for some. But many, including one sleep expert I spoke to, had nothing but leftover cherry juice in their fridge.
There are, however, some tried-and-true tips for getting better sleep. Sleep experts recommend creating a buffer between daily responsibilities and bedtime: Set aside some time, ideally without screens, to unwind with a podcast, a knitting project, or a coloring book. Cutting back on alcohol and caffeine can also help.
A sleep specialist I interviewed gave me a helpful tip for getting through the afternoon slump without caffeine, one that’s especially relevant for summer. Instead of grabbing another cup of coffee, stick your head in the freezer for an energy boost.
Here’s to an energizing remainder of 2024.
Ghosting Seems Inevitable. Is It Really Necessary?
It’s a cliché of modern dating: Everyone has a ghosting story, and everyone has a (perhaps regrettable) story of disappearing on a date. Catherine Pearson offers a guide on how to deal with ghosting and offers better alternatives for disappearing from the person you’re dating.
Read the article: Ghosting is an inevitable part of dating. Is it okay?
Is watermelon really healthy?
Alright! Caroline Hopkins explains how summer fruits can keep you hydrated, among other juicy benefits.
Read the article: Is watermelon healthy?
The week in Well
Here are some stories you shouldn’t miss:
Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow Well on Instagram or email us at well_newsletter@nytimes.com. And check out last week’s newsletter on the benefits of crafting.
