TOP 7 MENTAL FITNESS TRENDS IN 2024
The last decade has seen a significant increase in fitness trends including mental fitness as people increasingly prioritise their mental well-being. To support the increase in demand and focus on mental fitness, services, businesses and technology have also been adapting to provide innovative and holistic approaches to fitness. And here are the top seven mental fitness trends that are shaping the landscape of mental wellness this year.
1. Personalised Fitness Plans
Just like workout plans, individuals are starting to seek tailored approaches to improve their mental well-being. These plans may include a combination of therapies, self-help techniques, and lifestyle changes that are customised to meet the unique needs of each individual. Life coaching and other niche coaching are gaining traction because of this demand as it is a proactive approach towards improving life.
2. Digital Mental Health Platforms
What better way to increase access and to cater the rising demands for mental health services than opening digital mental health platforms? These platforms offer a range of services, including therapy, counselling, and self-help tools, all accessible through smartphones or computers. Thanks to convenience and accessibility, these platforms are becoming an integral part of many people's fitness routines.
3. AI-Powered Therapy
Along with digital platforms, the application of AI to therapy is also growing rapidly. Why not? AI-powered chatbots are now capable of empathetic replies and can be made available 24/7 which is not possible with human services. They have also proven to be more efficient in identifying the symptoms of behavioural disorders and can aid doctors in their diagnosis. So, many platforms are including AI chatbots or even creating their services around it.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation Apps
They have been around for a while. But they are continuing to gain popularity as people are moving towards introducing mindfulness into their lives. These apps help people practice meditation and mindfulness by offering soothing soundtracks, guided meditation sessions, breathing exercises that can help reduce stress, improve focus and promote overall well-being.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) Therapy
Virtual Reality (VR) therapy is promising to be a powerful tool for the treatment of serious mental health conditions like phobias, PTSD and anxiety disorder. They can help immerse the individuals in virtual environments that can effectively help them overcome mental health challenges. While it's still in its early stages and is yet to reach its full potential, ongoing research and development show great promise for the future of VR therapy.
6. Holistic Wellness Practices
The practices that focus on and improve the connection between the mind, body and spirit and those that promote overall well-being and balance are known as holistic wellness practices. As more people understand the depth of mind and body connection, they are moving towards holistic wellness practices like yoga and tai chi.
7. Digital Detox
Just as we are experiencing growth in the digitization of mental health services, we are also seeing a growing trend of digital detox. As people aspire to live a more mindful lifestyle, digital detox is becoming a form of self-care that people practice once a week or month in order to keep away from the constant noise of the internet.
The trends around mental fitness in 2024 seem to point in a positive direction. As tech is increasingly being part of our lives, awareness is rising regarding holistic health. We are seeing more people than ever taking steps towards achieving better mental fitness and overall well-being. If you haven't already, now is your time to jump in and be part of these trends and make the best out of them!
Author: Nivetha Kannan
Nivetha writes blogs on mental health and wellbeing topics for Silver Oak Health. She is a professional content writer and is passionate about the field of psychology & personal development. She writes impactful content that brings positive changes in people. Her mantra for life is to ‘be curious, and not judgemental’.