And so we ring in another year – and may it be the best one yet. The past few have certainly had their ups and downs, but I have found that many of us have become stronger for it. The pandemic has proved incredibly challenging and desperately sad but if I may gleam some silver linings from the oppressive dark cloud COVID has left us with one of them would be that overwhelmingly I have seen people respect their health and wellness so much more and other people’s too. We are caring much more about getting the sleep we need, taking the supplements our body is crying out for and working out for our minds – not our bodies, one of the most important shifts yet. Of course, it is important to take care of our muscles and bones, but the real ‘workout gains’ are mental and I am delighted that it is starting to become much more widely recognised. A new year at Hip & Healthy wouldn’t be a new year if we didn’t discuss some of the major wellness trends we predict to see take off over 2022, so below are a few of the ones I’ll be paying more attention to…

Personalised Vitamins
We’ve had our workouts tailored, our clothes, our holidays and now it’s time to tailor our vitamins in order to produce the best possible results. Backed by science, Nourished is a brand blazing the trail in bespoke vitamins. Take their online quiz to determine exactly what you need and where your body and mind needs support. They will then create the perfect vitamin for you – in one tasty gummy – they look like little rainbow chews. For someone like me, they are a revolution as I take around five or six different supplements a day and you can often hear me rattling before you can see me! Their supplements are prepared freshly in their UK lab to ensure you get at least 99.5% of the NRV or indicated dose when you consume them. Plus, they even have them for kids too.  

The Dry Drink is Not Just For January
After a Christmas of consumption and lots of jollity the onset of dry January can feel daunting and unexciting, however, with brands like Lyres and Caleno we are here to tell you that really is just a myth nowadays. The No and Low Alcohol movement has been around for some time but we predict that 2022 is the year it really becomes mainstream. Lyres range includes replacements for everything from Gin to Vermouth, Sparkling Wine to Absinthe – and it all tastes totally delicious and will absolutely give you all the feels of being out-out. Be sure to check out their Pink London Spirit Negroni Set, which has become a favourite in our household. Caleno also do a great job of creating delicious non-alcoholic drinks, their Dark and Spicy Rum Alternative is honestly one of the best non-alcoholic drinks I have tasted, just add lime!

The Power of Positivity
Ok so this is in no way a new trend as it was back in the 50’s when author, Norman Vincent Peale, released his book The Power of Positive Thinking into the world, 5 million sold copies later and it’s still one of the most popular self-help books out there. A good reason as to why it remains so popular is because of its subject matter – we all want to feel and be more positive and today we can go beyond just reading and thinking ourselves positive. But what is new is that Rescue has released a supportive capsule that helps us to stay balanced and maintain a positive outlook as well as calm emotions – their new RESCUE® Balance & Positivity Capsules include Saffron, L-Theanine, B Vitamins and RESCUE® flower essences which will help calm emotions even on the busiest days. Because we all have days where things get on top of us and we lose our positive state of mind, taking RESCUE® Balance & Positivity Capsules is the first step in taking control of the day again.

Breathing is Life
You’ve probably tried yoga, and maybe you’ve tried meditation, but have you tried breathwork? Breathwork refers to a type of breathing exercise where you are guided to intentionally change your breathing technique or pattern for a number of positive outcomes such as improved energy and focus, boost immunity and calm anxiety or stress. Like most things in wellness, breathwork has been around for years but a bit like meditation it can feel daunting as to where to start and how to start too – especially because you’re unlikely to find a breathwork centre on the corner of your street. There are some amazing breathwork practitioners out there who you can see but if that’s not convenient or only something you can do once in a blue moon then we have discovered an incredible new app called Breath Hub that will help you get your breathwork practice in anywhere, anytime. With over 200 sessions and courses led by expert teachers, Breath Hub releases a new daily breathwork practice daily. And if you needed more reason to download this incredible app – let it be known that the Founder of Breath Hub, Nevsah, has kids in their 20s and yet she does not look older than 25 herself, I asked what it was that she used on her skin to keep it so free from wrinkles and worry lines and Nevsah just responded: “I breathe properly”. Anxiety free and the skin of a 20-year-old – we predict that this wellness trend is here to stay.

Mega Magnesium 
Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in our bodies and plays several important roles, in fact, it is found in every single cell in our body and our bodies need it to function. From creating energy to regulating the nervous system and even muscle and gene repair, magnesium is essential and yet around 50% don’t get enough magnesium from their diets alone. Low levels of magnesium have been linked to depression, headaches, poor sleep and much more. If you’re planning on getting your magnesium from food then a good place to start is Spinach, pumpkin seeds and even dark chocolate but if you, like half the European population should be supplementing your magnesium to ensure you are getting enough then Better You have just about one of the most comprehensive magnesium supplement ranges I have ever seen – my mum absolutely swears by their Magnesium Body Oil when she has aches and pains in her back and neck, and my reflexologist is often telling me that I should be putting their magnesium flakes in my bath to help me relax and calm my nervous system.

Quote of the Month

“You’ll never get bored when you try something new. There’s really no limit to what you can do”

– Dr. Seuss

3 Books I am reading

Little Interactions by Ali MacLeod – to remind me that adventure is out there, always. 

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – to remind me to tread lightly

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown – because who doesn’t want to be a bit more ‘Brené’