2020 is shaping up to be a strange and challenging year. The COVID-19 pandemic remains unpredictable, and public health measures have reshaped everyday life and the global economy. While the coronavirus has undeniably caused hardship, many people have found ways to find the good in the situation. For example, many people working from home or working reduced hours now have more time to focus on their health and wellness.
What does self-care look like in 2020? For the remainder of the year, you can expect the continued popularity of the following exercise, diet, and personal care trends:
- Continuing the Kombucha Craze
Though kombucha originated in China in 220 B.C., it didn’t become a mainstream American beverage until the 1990s. Within the last few years, the drink has again picked up in popularity and doesn’t seem to be losing steam.
The fermented drink contains tea, sugar, and yeast. Together, these simple ingredients provide antioxidants, probiotics, B vitamins, and vitamin C. Drinking kombucha may improve digestion, detoxify the body, maintain energy and cholesterol levels, and enhance your mental state.
- Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude journaling refers to the act of making a list of things you are grateful for. Done first thing in the morning or just before going to bed, it promotes helps you feel happy and positive throughout the day or can promote good sleep. Jotting down what makes you grateful in a journal every day may seem tedious, but in time, it can change your mindset and create better awareness of your feelings and the things that bring you joy.
- Virtual Workouts
With most gyms still closed, 2020 has become the year of the virtual workout. In response to COVID-19 shelter-in-place restrictions, more and more fitness and wellness brands and publications have released free or inexpensive home workout content. This article from Business Insider keeps track of the best free virtual workout offerings to take advantage of during the pandemic.
- Keto Coffee
In 2020, the ketogenic diet remains a popular plan for weight loss. To help meet their goals, many people on the keto diet have turned to keto coffee.
Unlike other health foods, this coffee is high in fat and yet helps your body burn fats more quickly. Made from butter and MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) oil, this drink will reduce your hunger; many users say that the drink can even give you more energy and increase your alertness, mental clarity, and ability to focus.
- Showing Greater Appreciation for Nature
Nature has never or ever will go out of style, but this year, it seems like people appreciate the great outdoors more than ever. From daily walks around the neighborhood to week-long wilderness camping, people have turned to nature for exercise, entertainment, and socially distant gatherings during the pandemic.
After having stayed indoors for an entire year (and then some), many people are itching to wear their favorite beach outfits and swimsuits, go for a swim on the beach, and get a tan. More and more people are going back to beaches and shorelines to get their much-needed dose of vitamin sea after a year away.
- Plant-Based Dairy Substitutes
Plant-based dairy substitutes offer calcium-rich alternatives to those who choose not to consume animal by-products or have lactose allergies.
There are many options like oat milk, soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk that can give you similar or even more benefits than cow's milk. As these dairy substitutes continue to gain popularity in 2020, you’ll see more products in different flavors at your local grocery store.
- Creative CBD Food and Drink Infusions
CBD-infused foods and drinks are still on the rise. Today, you can find CBD carbonated water, soda, tea, coffee, kombucha, milkshakes, popsicles, candy, cookie dough, donuts, cereals, chips, and more. Just be sure to research the legality of CBD products in your jurisdiction before buying.
- Sustainable Self-care Routines
With the salons becoming the hubs of germs and infections, it makes sense to follow certain sustainable self-care routines that give you amazing results. Use planet-friendly products that are natural and healthy for your skin. If you have the time, you can even make a few such products by yourself.
- Video Therapy
Unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has added stress and anxiety for millions of people around the globe. With social distancing guidelines and many health facilities operating at limited capacity, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to schedule in-person therapy. Fortunately, video call therapy has become more widely available and may even be covered by your insurance provider.
Prioritizing Health and Happiness
Staying happy and healthy should be your number one priority during this quarantine period. Explore your options and try out things that suit you. It might take a while to get used to these habits, but once you do, you will start thanking yourself for taking this step.
