Celebrity wellness trends for better health and wellbeing
Love to discover new self-care activities? Take a look at these celebrity wellness trends for better health and wellbeing.
The wellness industry is a multi-billion pound business and shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, there has been a definite shift in the wellness and wellbeing space in recent years, which has led to celebrities promoting many trends with a focus on improving not only their health, but their appearance. In Hollywood, nothing is considered too strange (think leech therapy and vampire facials)!
Actors and musicians are immortalised on the big screen and so it’s natural that they would want to focus on looking and feeling their best. But are some of these trends suitable for us mere mortals?
Here, we take a look at some of the more popular celebrity wellness trends.
Red light therapy
Let there be light! Kourtney Kardashian, Lena Dunham, and Chrissy Teigen have all been seen on social media wearing masks that look like they’d be more suited to Mike Myers in Halloween. But these red light therapy masks emit a powerful glow – more specifically, red light.
So what’s the science behind red light therapy? Red light works via a process called photobiomodulation – a process by which certain parts of our cells respond to different wavelengths of light.
Red light helps strengthen the mitochondria (the part of our cells that produce energy) which results in increased blood flow and oxygen, reduced inflammation, and more efficient cell turnover. The visible results of this can be seen in the form of brighter, clearer skin with improved texture and reduced signs of ageing, particularly when complemented by the use of near infrared light therapy devices.
Red light therapy is not just limited to use on the face, it can be used on the entire body to help with joint pain, muscle aches and inflammation.
Cold therapy
Athletes (including Andy Murray) have been using ice baths to speed up recovery and healing, and reduce inflammation for years. But recently, Dutch athlete, Wim Hoff, has risen into the limelight and been instrumental in the revival of the cold therapy trend.
Harry Styles, Ellen DeGeneres, and Russell Brand are just a few of the big names that favour cold therapy.
All sorts of claims have been made about the benefits of ice baths, including that it helps to ward off colds. A study supports that immersion for 10-15 minutes at 8-15°C is beneficial for improving blood circulation and mood, in addition to pain and swelling. Regular ice bath fans will say they have noticed many benefits from cold therapy and this may be true. However, when we look at the wider picture, the science is inconclusive.
Vitamin drips
Selena Gomez, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lady Gaga all swear by vitamin IV drips. This is where vitamins and micronutrients are delivered into the body via the bloodstream intravenously. Why? With high stress lifestyles, it’s possible to use up our vitamin and nutrient stores faster than we can replenish them through food alone.
This can result in symptoms associated with vitamin deficiencies, including feeling fatigued. So, celebrities use IV drips to ensure their bodies have enough fuel and energy to keep up with their demanding lifestyles.
The Myers cocktail is perhaps the most well-known IV drip and is often referred to as the perfect blend of vitamins and nutrients for optimal health. It contains vitamin C, B complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12), and magnesium sulphate, though this does vary slightly between different clinics.
Meditation
Celebs that swear by meditation include the likes of Russell Brand, Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and Katy Perry. The beauty of meditation is that nothing is required other than yourself. It can help you to feel grounded even if you lead a really hectic lifestyle.
How does it work? By focusing attention on being present, meditation allows you to remove stressful thoughts from your head. Mindfulness triggers the parasympathetic nervous system which helps to reduce feelings of stress – the heart rate slows, breathing slows and blood pressure reduces. In fact, meditation has been shown to help with chronic pain and sleep disturbances. Those who practise meditation can benefit from reduced feelings of anxiety, improved concentration and better sleep.
So how do you meditate? Contrary to popular belief you don’t need to adopt the classic cross-legged pose or be spiritual. Simply find somewhere quiet and have a seat. Close your eyes and try to notice your breath and how your body feels. Pay attention to this and when your mind wanders, bring it back to focus on your breath and your body.
Which wellness trends will you be trying?
Are you feeling inspired to boost your health and wellbeing? There will always be celebs singing the praises of the latest health ritual and wellness trend but the most important takeaway? Do what feels right for you and your body, your lifestyle and your budget. And remember, when it comes to medical interventions you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional first.
