Women's health took the front seat; digital tools democratized therapy and the body came into focus as the seat to heal trauma in 2024. This year's trends also reflected a collective yearning for deeper, smarter, and more sustainable solutions. While biohacking and longevity increased our curiosity, this was also the year when an alternative modality for self-care like 'manifestation' went so mainstream, Cambridge Dictionary declared it word of the year. Everyone's looking for solutions for optimal wellbeing and Mint's roundup of wellness and fitness trends for the year shares a glimpse into how the world went about accomplishing it.
Heal the Body
In 2024, somatic therapy went mainstream. Rooted in the idea that trauma and emotional experiences are stored within the body, these therapies offer an alternative to traditional talk therapy. "Individuals who have experienced severe trauma, children with intellectual disabilities, or elderly people nearing the end of their lives may struggle to engage with evidence-based therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Somatic and art-based therapies become crucial in these situations," says Dr Sneha Rooh, a Delhi-based palliative care physician and somatic therapist. Wellness retreats in India are increasingly embracing somatic therapy, blending physical movement with emotional healing. Centers like Oceanic Yoga in Goa and Swar Yog Peeth in Rishikesh now offer immersive retreats focused on trauma release through body-centered practices. "Trauma and memories are stored not just in our minds but deep within our cells, making somatic therapy essential for true healing. This form of therapy works with the body ('Soma' in Greek) to release trapped emotions such as anger and sadness," says Dr Ramon Llamba from Golden Age Isvara, a holistic wellness center in Delhi.
Women Went 'Cycle Syncing'
This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of Mint Kolkata.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 31, 2024 edition of Mint Kolkata.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Now, tech tools to test cortisol, soothe anxiety
A range of tech tools for mental health will be showcased at CES '25 in Vegas
This could be the best core exercise you've never done
A modification of the Zercher squat, the 'ab squat' is a dynamic workout that completely engages your core
For a balanced life, take the heroine's journey
Living a life not attuned to nature's cycles can affect the body and cause digestive issues as well as mental stress
AIF industry: At risk of death by a thousand circulars
Alternative investment funds generate value but have been dealt a harsh blow by over-regulation
Welfare programmes impact the retail prices relevant to people
India must update its inflation metrics to reflect actual consumption expenditure patterns for superior policy formulation
Expect Trump's Crackdown on Immigration to Be Disruptive
He is far better placed to act swiftly and harshly this time around
Tweaked for flexibility, NPS awaits tax clarity
This funded pension scheme now offers access to low-cost fund management with its option of staggered withdrawals of what was once a lump-sum. Good. Let's keep its taxation benign
Rupee depreciation is inevitable but its volatility is not
RBI should restrain its active forex management while the Centre aims to attract more dollars
Ten big GenAI developments we saw within the span of a month
Its evolution didn't even pause for a year-end break as the AI wave began turning into a tsunami
Simplifying Taxes: Key Challenges for Budget 2025
The focus is on how the Centre overhauls the new tax regime to attract more taxpayers
