Activity trackers, farmers markets, and mindfulness just aren't doing well. They can enable you to develop healthy habits.
Photo: julia514/iStock
The word “trendy” comes from a trend or fashion which will have lasting value, so it could possibly be a turn-off, especially when applied to health practices. But trends may also have lasting health advantages—for instance, trends to make public places smoke-free or add calorie counts to fast-food menus. There is growing evidence that the three trends below fall into the “beneficial” category.
1. Wearing activity trackers
More than 13 million wearable activity trackers—which record the variety of steps taken and minutes of activity in a day—were sold within the United States in 2015. They are marketed as an answer to inertia, and on this case, the marketers could also be right. A gentle stream of research shows that small devices—worn on the wrist or clipped to clothing—actually encourage people to be more energetic. In study after study, women age 50 and older who were assigned to wear activity trackers not only significantly increased the variety of steps they took per day and the variety of minutes they spent in moderate-intensity activity, but additionally showed interest in using the trackers and increasing their goals after the study ended.
The key to the devices' success appears to be the constant stream of feedback that users can access on their smartphones, tablets or computers. Many also enjoyed competing against themselves, friends, or other age groups. “Getting that kind of feedback is empowering and helps change behavior,” says Dr. Manson. To make amends for this trend, expect to pay around $100 for a tool that logs steps, miles, energetic minutes, and sleep time.
2. Shop at farmers markets
-
Freshness. Only chosen produce is at its peak when it comes to taste and nutrition.
-
Variety You might find some fruits or vegetables you have not seen before or latest versions of old standards.
-
Information Because the individuals who sell the produce are more likely to have had a hand in growing it, they'll have the opportunity to inform you what farming methods are used and offer suggestions for preparing food.
-
Samples If you are wondering if cherries are sweet or tart or if apples are crisp, ask for a sample. Most vendors are blissful to comply.
-
Durability. Eating locally or regionally grown produce means it takes less energy to get it to your table. And supporting regional agriculture is sweet in your community.
You can discover a farmers market near you by visiting the USDA website using the /farmers link.
3. Practicing mindfulness
Elements of Buddhist meditation practice are incorporated into techniques that enable people to make use of mindfulness of their every day lives. In concept, mindfulness is straightforward—specializing in the current moment and acting nonjudgmentally on it. By specializing in the here and now, many individuals find that they're less more likely to worry in regards to the future or dwell on regrets in regards to the past, and are capable of make deeper connections with others.
Mindfulness techniques help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. “They can also be helpful in treating chronic pain, improving sleep, and lowering blood pressure,” says Dr. Manson.