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I’m Dani Blum, a reporter on the Well desk, filling in for Jancee Dunn today. Part of my job is to make sense of the endless array of wellness trends taking over the internet. Sometimes that means searching for answers to age-old questions; other days, I’m researching new products.
As summer and the second half of the year approach, we look back at the health trends that have defined 2024 so far.
Water, water, everywhere
The water wars are here and they’re fierce — thanks, #Watertok. There’s a fierce online community extolling the virtues of hydration and fueling debates over how much water people should drink every 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 answer, and most people can stay hydrated by simply reaching for water when they’re thirsty. But watch out for the black goop that can collect at the bottom of your water bottle—if you’re wondering whether that’s mold, the answer (sorry) is yes.
Gut health gets a boost
Products claiming to heal and hack your gut have become a staple of wellness culture. In 2024, the gut has become a pick-me-up: Pastel-colored cans of prebiotic soda have hit store shelves; the microbiome has gone mainstream; and people are adding apple cider vinegar to their drinks in hopes of curing acid reflux.
Amid all the hype, gastroenterologists want to make a few things clear: namely, that there are ways to help your gut, but few of them are trendy. Eat plenty of fiber, limit processed foods, and reduce stress to keep your belly happy and healthy.
Gyms are getting more chic
This spring, Equinox announced a new program with a surprising price tag: For $40,000 a year, clients could sign up for a longevity program, complete with exercise, nutrition and sleep coaching. Some high-end fitness chains have also launched personalized programs for people taking medications like Ozempic, to help prevent them from losing too much muscle mass while on the drugs.
As fitness programs become more and more fun, There are tons of ways to ramp up your workout that are quick and free. We’ve reported on several exercise programs you can do in 20 minutes or less, including a core workout, a HIIT routine that’s easy on the joints, and, my personal favorite, an eight-and-a-half-minute workout that will make you happy.
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 staying in bed for a long time.
People also embraced the joy of resting on the floor. For a “floor person,” as some people online called themselves, lying flat on the floor is a way to stay grounded.
Others have sought something (just a little) stronger to help them rest. Earlier this year, I reported on the so-called Sleepy Girl Mocktail, a homemade concoction of tart cherry juice, seltzer, and magnesium that many influencers hailed as 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, only had leftover jugs of cherry juice in their fridges.
There are, however, some tried-and-true tricks for better sleep. Sleep doctors encourage people to create a buffer between daily responsibilities and bedtime: Give yourself some time, ideally screen-free, 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 handy tip for beating the afternoon slump without caffeine — one that’s especially summery. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, stick your head in the freezer for an energy boost.
To an energetic end to 2024.
Ghosting seems inevitable. Should it be?
It’s a cliché of modern dating: everyone has a story about being ghosted, and everyone has a (perhaps regrettable) story about a date disappearing. Catherine Pearson provides a primer on how to deal with ghosting, and offers better alternatives to the person you’re dating disappearing.
Read the article: Ghosting is an inevitable part of dating. Is it ever okay?
How healthy is watermelon?
Yep! Caroline Hopkins explains how summer fruits can keep you hydrated, among other juicy benefits.
Read the article: How healthy is watermelon?
The week in Well
Here are some stories you don’t want to miss:
Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow Well on Instagramor write to us at well_newsletter@nytimes.com. And check out last week’s newsletter on the benefits of crafting.
