The beginning of 2020 is unique in many ways. We are not only easing into a new year, but also stepping into a new decade. Unlike in the past years where health was focused on fragmented goals such as dieting for weight loss, the trend this year is taking care of oneself in every aspect. Wellness efforts will be wholesome and focused on nourishing the body, mind and spirit. EVELYN MAKENA highlights health and wellness trends that will dominate this year.

Wearable technology 

In recent years, varied wearable technology including smart watches, GPS tracking devices, fitness trackers and sleep monitors have emerged.

These fitness devices that have dominated the market are here to stay, well at least in 2020.

They enable users to input biological data to monitor weight, calorie intake, sitting time, distance walked and create customised fitness programmes.

According to a survey by American College of Sports Medicine, wearable technology will be the top health and fitness trend this year.

It is estimated that the wearable technology industry is worth Sh9.5 trillion. 

Stand up for your health

Sitting for long periods of time is bad for your health so much that it is equated to smoking. Common in the present day working culture, sitting is an underrated health threat of modern times.

Research has found that sitting for more than six hours a day increases your risk of an early death.

These adverse effects can be counteracted by replacing at least 30 minutes of sitting with light activities.

A 2019 study by Colombia University found that a subject did not only benefit by doing the exercises all at once.

But taking short bursts of physical activity that cumulatively reached half an hour was equally effective. 

Medical services at a dial

In 2020, you can expect to see even more online health services introduced. Thanks to modern apps, you can order for medication and prescriptions online.

Such apps allow users to order for commodities they would be embarrassed to order for and get treatment for conditions such as erectile dysfunction all at the convenience of your home.

Apps such as myDawa have made it possible to order for prescribed medication online and get deliveries at your doorstep.

Other apps like Afya-pap enables patients to consult health specialists through chats.  

Home workouts

Losing weight features on many new year’s resolutions lists. Lack of necessary resources or time to enroll for gym membership should not be a reason to not reach your goals.

Adopting home workouts is the convenient and effective way to go. With countless YouTube workout channels by professional trainers, working out from home has been made even easier.

Besides, affordable home fitness equipment’s are readily available. So this year, if you create and remain committed to your fitness goals it is possible to achieve them without leaving your home.

Lifestyle medicine

In light of the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension health professionals are putting great emphasis on preventative measures.

Lifestyle medicine is the practice of assisting individuals make healthy adjustments to achieve better health outcomes.

These changes include getting more sleep, cutting on alcohol, reducing sugar and meat intake, increasing physical activities and substituting processed with naturally grown foods. The trend will maintain its relevance this year.

Outdoor activities

Fitness activities that take place around nature are becoming more popular.

Hikes, long walks in parks, cycling along nature trails are becoming a common way of having fun while keeping physically fit.

Spending time in nature has proven therapeutic effects. Taking a 40 minutes’ walk along a forest is for instance found to lower stress hormone-  cortisol levels, regulate blood pressure and boost immunity according to a Japanese study.

Other studies have linked nature to relieving symptoms of heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety and attention disorders.

Personal training

As people become more conscious of their health and endeavour to make necessary lifestyle changes, personal training is becoming a common trend.

This involves one on one training at home, health clubs or at the gym. Personal training involves working one on one with a fitness trainer to meet a client’s specific needs as opposed to doing the same in a group.

With a personal trainer one enjoys flexibility and to work out from anywhere any time and get personalised attention.

Fitness programmes for older adult.

Due to improved health care and more awareness people are living longer and leading an active life for prolonged periods of time.

Embracing fitness and a more active lifestyle in terms of fitness as one ages is highly encouraged to ensure that diseases that come with old age are delayed or avoided altogether.

Staying physically active even in old age ensures that individuals have better quality of life even in their sunset years. 

Emphasis on mental health

Discussions on mental health have been marred with assumptions, misconceptions and trivialisation of the issue.

But the reality is mental health is a weighty issue that needs to be properly understood and addressed. Depression for instance affects 264 million people globally and is one of the leading causes of disability.

There are scientifically proven steps one can take to improve your overall mental health. Practicing optimism by focusing on the good aspects life can put your mind at ease. 

Acts of kindness and showing gratitude have also been found to bolster mental health.

Connection between wellness and sustainability

There is increased awareness about our health. Likewise, people are more aware of the need of maintaining the health of the planet.

Sustainability has been a buzzword in the light of intense effects of climate change and it will continue to be.

From embracing organic foods, opting for ecofriendly packaging, minimising food waste to putting emphasis on healthier soils, sustainability will be an integral part of wellness in 2020.