Wellness Trends for Better Bodies and Minds

What is wellness? “Wellness” is a conceptual integration of the ideas of “well-being” and “fitness,” and it refers to an ideal state of physical, mental, and social well-being in harmony. A new concept of wellness emerged in the late 2000s, as income levels rose and open acknowledgment of burnout began to manifest itself across personal, social, and national spheres. While 2000s trends prioritized physical wellness, recent discourse has increasingly centered on mental health and quality of life, driven by technological advancement and the rise of self-care culture. These perspectives are shifting consumer culture towards health, balance, and sustainability.

Slow-aging eating habits are one example that aligns with modern wellness trends. While aging is a natural process that everyone experiences, the speed at which it progresses can vary depending on diet among other factors. Recently, people have been posting about “slow-aging rice” on social media, drawing attention to the importance of developing sustainable eating habits. This “slow-aging diet” has gained popularity in Korea after being introduced by geriatrician Jeong Hee-won. The slow-aging diet focuses on low-glycemic index (GI) multigrain products instead of simple carbohydrate products. Eating this way three times a day can help meet the recommended daily protein intake.

Yoga and Pilates are among the types of exercise that define modern wellness trends. These exercises are not simply about losing weight. They emphasize harmony between body and mind, energy recovery, anti-aging, and an improved quality of life. Yoga not only offers physical benefits, but also has a positive impact on the mind and spirit. Yoga poses enhance concentration, allowing people to focus and approach peace of mind. Yoga practitioner Eom Ga-on (Sophomore, Dept. of Music Education) said, “At first, I didn’t know how to use my muscles, but after starting yoga, I learned how to use my body. So, when I was worried about something psychologically, I learned how to control my emotions by focusing on my breathing.” Pilates is also known to have a positive effect on psychological well-being. Specifically, Pilates movements emphasize synaptic awareness and breathing control, which enhance mindfulness and concentration, leading to psychological stability. 

Wellness trends contribute to positive lifestyles, which promote self-care and sustainable living by balancing physical and mental health to improve quality of life. This encourages us to move beyond simple disease prevention and cultivate habits that prioritize physical health, mental stability, emotional control, and life balance. This allows us to realize the value of self-care and pursue sustainable and satisfying lives.

By Kim Ye-ji, Reporter