Top 10 Wellness Trends for 2023: Are They Worth It?

Is it just me, or have emerging new wellness trends exploded in popularity the last few years, becoming an integral part of people's daily lives?

The rise of social media, and the ability to access information and resources at the touch of a button have made it easier than ever for people to discover new ways to improve their well-being, health, and happiness.

Naturally, this has flooded the market with all sorts of wacky new ways that promise to help us take more control over our well-being... But are some of them only successful because of the hype?

While it is a great thing that folks are becoming more aware of how important it is to nurture our health, there's so many new health fads out there it can be tough to spot the winners from the passing crazes!

From traditional practices like adaptogens and gua sha to modern trends like digital healthcare and wellness apps, the options available to people looking to improve their well-being are vast and varied. Naturally, this caused us to wonder… Are they worth it?

Below, we’ll investigate 10 of the hottest up-and-coming wellness trends already taking 2023 by storm, and whether they’re actually worth your investment of time, money and energy.

Here's our take on the roundup so you can pick your path to perfect health, without the hype: 

10. Therapeutic & Bodywork Tools

Technology like water distillers and purifiers, massage guns and light therapy devices are becoming increasingly popular in the wellness world these days. Massage guns can help ease muscle soreness and boost circulation, light therapy devices can improve your mood and sleep, and drinking pure, untainted water is so critical for good health!

worth it? Massage guns can vary wildly in price, and if you're suffering from an injury or ongoing condition, it's important to seek medical advice to get to the root of the problem and rule out any underlying conditions that might be causing it. For the occasional muscle soreness however, a handheld massager might be just the relief you need!

When it comes to good drinking water, this is an absolute yes! Drinking exclusively purified (or distilled water with some electrolytes added) will help you avoid chemicals, VOCs, dangerous levels of fluoride and other nasties added to our water supplies to make them suitable to drink. Make every sip count with your trusty Greens Steel Water Bottle and easily get your 8 glasses a day with pure hydration!  

As for light therapy tools - you may just get enough photon energy and Vitamin D to help you sleep well and feel happy naturally, from the rays of the sun! All it takes is a bit of natural light and sunshine at the right time of day, however they can be excellent asset for shift workers or those of us who don't get much time in the daylight in our regular routine.

9. Wellness Apps & tech

The last couple of years has seen a massive increase in wellness apps, wearable tech devices and programs that offer tools and monitoring for physical and mental health. Take your pick from self-development courses, yoga workshops, psychology guide maps and nutrition programs, along with smart watches and wearable monitors that can provide real-time feedback on your health and sleep stats.

These apps and devices can be a great way to access wellness information and resources, but it's important to remember that not all of them are created equal or released by experts that can assess you on an individualized basis.

worth it? What have you got to lose! We're all for improving our health and mental state, and what a time to be alive... With so many different options to choose from, it's easy to dip your toe in the world of wellness with minimum commitment.

As with all things in life, be sure to do your research and find a reputable source of information before starting any new program, and get the advice of your doctor before launching into any new health venture.

8. adaptogens

There's a lot of buzz about plant medicine these days! If you've never heard of them, adaptogens are a class of edible herbs and fungi that are said to help the body adapt to stress, and many people are now supplementing them into their diets. Adaptogens such as ashwagandha root, holy basil, rhodiola, reishi mushrooms and cordyceps have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and recently have attracted a lot of attention in the wellness world.

These supplements are believed to help balance hormones, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. Whether or not adaptogens are worth it depends on your personal experience and the specific adaptogen you are using. It's important to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

worth it? Some studies have found that adaptogens may be beneficial for reducing stress and improving cognitive function, however, more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand their mechanisms of action.

Their effectiveness may also depend on the specific adaptogen and the individual taking it, so it's important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine whether adaptogens may be beneficial for you and in what dosage.

7. Clean Beauty

Clean beauty is a trend that emphasizes the use of skincare ingredients derived from natural and organic sources. While the idea of using these kind of skincare and makeup products certainly is appealing, it's important to remember that not all natural and organic products are created equal.

In a nutshell, clean beauty products don't contain any irritants, allergens, endocrine disruptors or potential carcinogenic ingredients that may cause cancer, which certainly offers some peace of mind. That being said, they are priced at a premium and can indeed include some artificial ingredients, which aren't necessarily proven to be dangerous after all!

worth it? As lovely as clean beauty sounds, it has been shown to be a bit of a marketing ploy to sell cosmetics at a higher price point! Sure, we can all agree that it's best to avoid using potentially harmful ingredients... But studies have shown that using ingredients derived from natural plant or mineral sources aren't really guaranteed to be any safer than synthetic lab-produced ones!

It's a matter of personal preference, but if you find a reputable brand at the right price that aligns with your wellness goals, go for it.

6. Nootropics

Nootropics are one of the most talked-about wellness trends in 2023, and this umbrella term can be given to a range of different natural or synthetic compounds that improve cognitive function, focus, memory and learning.

Worth It? While bolstering your diet with supplements like nootropics has been beneficial for some, there's still no substitute for a healthy lifestyle when it comes to boosting your brain performance! Provided you're eating plenty of nutrients, managing your lifestyle and getting adequate sleep, your cognitive function may only be slightly improved with nootropic supplements.

Nootropics may be worth trying for cognitive enhancement, but it's important to consult with a qualified medical professional before starting to use them, and approach with caution. They can come with potentially dangerous side effects and interactions with other medications, plus their long-term effects on the brain are not fully understood. That being said, nootropics are definitely an exciting concept worth exploring if it's safe for you!

5. face yoga & Gua sha massage

Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese facial massage technique that is said to improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and improve circulation. It's typically performed by gently scraping the face with a special tool made of jade or rose quartz, which claims to shift stagnant lymph and balance qi energy meridians.

Face yoga is similar, but instead of using a tool, it uses specific facial exercises to tone and tighten the skin, plus it also claims to help you change your jawline and facial structure!

Both practices are relatively new to the wellness scene and there isn't a lot of scientific research to back up their claims. However, many people find them to be a relaxing and enjoyable addition to their skincare routine. 

worth it? Honestly, the jury is still out on these, but even considering the lack of scientific studies, you can still rely on the knowledge that improved circulation and reduced inflammation certainly is beneficial to beauty.

It's a personal preference, but if you find face yoga or gua sha enjoyable, they're a low-cost way to try something new. These two unusual beauty hacks may just be worth it, let us know what you think!

4. DNA Testing to Predict Health Risk Factors

DNA testing is becoming increasingly popular as a way to predict health risk factors. These tests can provide information about your predisposition to certain diseases, as well as your response to certain medications.

However, it's important to remember that genetic testing is still a relatively new field and the information provided by these tests may not be entirely accurate. It's important to talk to a healthcare professional before making any major changes based on the results of a DNA test.

worth it?  Based on the expense, inaccuracy of the tests, and effort to undergo genetic testing, we'd say it might just be an interesting metric to explore if you so choose, but not to rely too heavily upon it.

Be sure to discuss your family history of disease, individual symptoms and concerns with your doctor, and live a healthy lifestyle as much as possible - these are the best way to stay in tip-top shape in our opinion!

3. Breathwork Classes

Breathwork is an exercise that involves specific breathing techniques combined with mindfulness to improve overall well-being. You may be familiar with the Ice Man, aka Wim Hof, and his style of breathwork and cold exposure that have taken the world by storm!

Breathwork is not just an incredible way to relax and reduce stress, but also boost your immune system and reduce your inflammatory cytokine response, leading to optimal energy, focus and well-being overall.

worth it?  100%! With the power of your breath, you can harness optimal immune health, mental stability and physical wellness with just a few rounds per day. For the more intense breathing exercises, be sure to follow a guided program or work with a practitioner, and get the ok from your doctor first, just like any new fitness endeavor.

2. Mindset & Manifestation Journaling

Nothing beats a good brain dump on a piece of paper, and there's something powerful that happens when you put your hopes, dreams and goals in print.

There's little wonder mindset and manifestation journals are becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve mental well-being and bring us closer to our objectives. These journals are designed to help you focus on positive thoughts and manifest your desired outcomes faster, whilst planning out your path to get where you're going and track your progress.

worth it?  Absolutely! They're a convenient, effective and low-cost way to improve your mindset and give yourself the push you need to make your dreams a reality.

1. Wellness Retreats and Travel

Getting away for the sake of our health is really taking off in 2023, due to a growing focus on self-care and mental and physical health.

People are seeking out vacations and experiences that prioritize their physical and mental well-being, rather than just relaxation or entertainment. Take your pick from retreats that focus on activities like yoga, meditation, and healthy eating, to name a few.

worth it? While wellness retreats can be a great way to relax, learn new skills, and reset your thinking, they can be a costly affair and it's easy to slip back into old habits once you get home. But, if you can swing the expense and think you'll adopt the lessons you learn for the long-run, we definitely recommend giving one of these wellness vacations a go. They might just be the missing piece you need to turn your life around! 

As you can see, the wellness trends in 2023 are diverse and range from traditional to modern approaches, however it is important to note that not all trends are backed by scientific research, and it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new practice or supplement!

As with all things in life, do your own research, make the assessment if a new health trend is right for you, and dive in! Once you're confident you can safely try something new, all you have is your happiest, healthiest self to gain!

Here's to a bright and beautiful 2023,

Jenn | Greens Steel Lifestyle Contributor