New Year & New Trends

By Lily Cole

A new year, a new chapter, and naturally, a whole new wave of wellness trends that are flooding our feeds faster than the latest viral TikTok dance. But as we navigate this endless scroll of wellness influencers and feel-good health hacks, the question remains: Are these trends truly worth your time, or are we simply getting sucked into another fleeting craze?

Well, darling, it’s time to sift through the glitter and uncover the truth. Let’s dive into some of the latest wellness trends that have been making waves—because we all know that not everything that's trending is as glamorous as it seems.

Trend 1: Dry Brushing for Smooth Skin

If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, chances are you’ve seen influencers rubbing their bodies with a natural bristle brush like it’s part of their self-care routine. The promise? That dry brushing will detoxify your skin, reduce cellulite, and give you an instant glow. So, is this just another fancy tool in your vanity, or does it actually do something?

Fact or Fiction?Fact. Dry brushing can be beneficial—when done properly. The action stimulates blood flow and promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps your body get rid of toxins. It also exfoliates your skin, leaving it softer and more radiant. However, it’s not a miracle worker. While it’s great for circulation and skin health, don’t expect dry brushing to change your life or eliminate cellulite overnight. So, brush away, but don’t get too caught up in the hype.

Trend 2: Castor Oil Packs for Detox

Castor oil packs are making their rounds on social media, with influencers swearing by them for everything from digestive health to reducing inflammation. The claim? That placing warm castor oil-soaked cloths on your body can help detoxify, reduce bloating, and improve overall health. So, should you be stocking up on castor oil, or is this just a greasy myth?

Fact or Fiction?Fiction. Castor oil has been used for centuries in alternative medicine, and while it’s true that castor oil has anti-inflammatory properties, the science behind castor oil packs is still shaky at best. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that it can “detox” your body. It’s a nice little ritual if you enjoy it, but don’t expect it to work miracles. Keep it as a soothing self-care practice, but don’t bank on it to do all the heavy lifting.

Trend 3: The 10,000-Step Rule

Walk 10,000 steps every day—just type it into Google, and you’ll see endless articles about how this is the key to health and happiness. This goal has become the baseline for fitness in the wellness world, with health trackers telling you to hit this magic number. But let’s get real for a second: Is this really the ideal number for everyone?

Fact or Fiction?Fiction. The 10,000-step rule was a marketing gimmick, not based on any substantial scientific evidence. While walking is undoubtedly good for you—boosting circulation, improving mental health, and helping to keep the pounds off—there’s no magic number you need to hit. If 5,000 steps is what you’re regularly hitting, you’re doing just fine. It’s about consistency and finding a routine that works for you, not obsessing over a number. So, relax—don’t let your fitness tracker stress you out.

Trend 4: Daily Electrolytes for Optimal Hydration

Electrolyte drinks have been all the rage recently, with many claiming that they’re the key to optimal hydration and better athletic performance. So, do we really need to be sipping on electrolyte-filled drinks all day long, or is this just another health trend you can leave behind?

Fact or Fiction?Fact. Electrolytes play an essential role in hydration and maintaining a balance of fluids in your body. If you're sweating heavily from exercise or spending time in hot weather, daily electrolytes can be incredibly beneficial to prevent dehydration, muscle cramps, and fatigue. While water is your go-to for staying hydrated, adding an electrolyte drink—especially after intense activity—can help replenish sodium, potassium, and magnesium, supporting optimal function.

Just be mindful of sugary sports drinks. Opt for low-sugar options or natural alternatives like coconut water. So, yes, electrolytes are a valuable part of your hydration strategy, but they’re not necessary every day unless you’re being extra active.

Trend 5: Cold Plunges for Recovery

Ah, the cold plunge—TikTok loves it, Instagram influencers swear by it, and some even go so far as to dive into ice baths. The claim? Cold water exposure helps with muscle recovery, boosts circulation, and even makes you feel like a superhero.

Fact or Fiction?Fact. Cold plunges do have benefits, but let’s not get carried away. Cold water exposure can help with reducing inflammation and muscle soreness after intense exercise. The science behind it is solid: Cold exposure constricts blood vessels, which can help reduce swelling, and when you warm up again, it increases blood flow, aiding in muscle recovery. But—and this is important—it’s not for everyone, and it shouldn’t be overdone. You don’t need to plunge into an ice bath every day—once a week is plenty for most people.

So, if you’re into it, take the plunge—but remember, balance is key. We’re not all built for the Arctic.

Trend 6: Magnesium at Night for Better Sleep

Magnesium supplements have been flying off the shelves, with wellness influencers claiming that taking magnesium at night can improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and even calm your nervous system. Could this be the secret to waking up rested and ready to conquer the day?

Fact or Fiction?Fact. Magnesium is essential for numerous bodily functions, and it has been shown to promote relaxation and better sleep. If you’re struggling with sleep or feeling particularly stressed, magnesium supplements (or even a warm bath with magnesium salts) can help your muscles relax and encourage a deeper sleep. But—and here’s the catch—be mindful of your dosage. Too much magnesium can lead to digestive discomfort, so start small and work your way up if necessary.

It’s not a magic pill, darling, but magnesium is a nice little helper if you’re looking for better sleep.

The Bottom Line:

As we slip into the new year, the wellness trends are endless—and let's be honest, some are just too tempting to ignore. But before you dive headfirst into every new health fad that’s trending, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Some trends, like dry brushing and magnesium at night, have real benefits that can enhance your wellness routine. Others, like castor oil packs and the 10,000-step rule, are more about personal preference than scientific proof. And when it comes to cold plunges or daily electrolytes, remember—it’s all about balance and knowing what works best for your body.

So, as you embrace these new trends, remember to always listen to your body, stay informed, and keep your wellness routine as fabulous as you are. After all, the best trend of all is the one that makes you feel like you.

XOXO, Lily

Have a Trend You’re Curious About?

Got a health or wellness trend you’ve seen making the rounds and you’re not sure if it’s a fact or fiction? Write in to us, and we’ll break it down for you in the next addition of Fact or Fiction! Send your questions, thoughts, or trends you want us to review to lilyicole@gmail.com and let us know what's making waves in your life.

Sources:

1. Dry Brushing

   • M.D. (2021). The Benefits of Dry Brushing: Is It Worth the Hype? Dermatology Review.

   • Harvard Health Publishing. Dry brushing: Is it good for your skin? Harvard Medical School.

2. Castor Oil Packs

   • A.D., M. (2021). The Healing Power of Castor Oil: What You Need to Know. Journal of Integrative Medicine.

   • McFarland, L. (2020). Castor Oil: Its Uses and Benefits. National Institutes of Health.

3. 10,000-Step Rule

   • Lee, D., & Franklin, B. (2016). Physical Activity and Health: The 10,000 Steps Fallacy. JAMA.

   • Haskell, W. L. (2015). Walking and Health: Rethinking the 10,000 Steps. American Heart Association.

4. Electrolytes

   • Stone, M. (2019). Electrolytes and Hydration: Why You Need Them. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.

   • Brown, J. (2017). The Role of Electrolytes in Fluid Balance. National Institutes of Health.

5. Cold Plunges

   • Tipton, M. (2021). Cold Water Immersion: A Guide to the Science Behind It. British Journal of Sports Medicine.

   • Pugh, S. (2019). Ice Baths and Recovery: Separating Fact from Fiction. National Institute for Sports Medicine.

6. Magnesium and Sleep

   • Zeng, C. (2015). Magnesium and Its Role in Sleep: A Review of Current Research. Sleep Science.

   • Walker, M. (2021). Magnesium and Sleep: Your New Nighttime Supplement? Sleep Foundation.