Cold Showers, Gratitude Journals & Other Wellness Trends (That Might Not Be as Magical as They Sound)

Wellness is a bit like Marmite. Some people lap up sunrise yoga followed by a celery smoothie. Others would rather chew on a flip-flop.

Scroll five seconds on Instagram or TikTok and you’ll find someone raving about how their entire personality was saved by lemon water and a 5am jog. It's tempting to believe that all you need to become your best self is a freezing shower and a notebook full of feelings.

But let’s pause. Some of these trends sound great in theory - but are they really life-changing, or just mildly traumatic? Here's a closer look at a few of the big ones, so you can decide whether they’re worth the faff.

Cold Showers

The promise: Boosts circulation, improves mood, turns you into a functioning morning person.

The reality: Like being slapped in the face by your own plumbing. Cold showers do wake you up, but not in a gentle, life-affirming way. More of a “what fresh hell is this?” kind of way.

That said, some people genuinely swear by the buzz it gives you afterwards. And there is actual science behind the benefits - reduced muscle soreness, improved mood. Just be warned: it’s less 'spa day' and more 'accidental plunge into the North Sea'.

Worth a go? Maybe. But ease in gently or risk screaming like you’ve just stepped on Lego.

Gratitude Journals

The promise: Helps you notice the good stuff, boosts mental wellbeing, makes you more zen.

The reality: It starts off deep and meaningful (“I’m grateful for my health, my family, the sun”). By day four it might devolve into “toast” and “finding matching socks”. Still, it does help shift your mindset.

Writing down a few things you're thankful for each day can help put things in perspective - and it's not about pretending everything's fine, it's just a chance to pause and notice the good bits (however small).

Worth a go? Yes. It's low effort, low cost, and might just remind you that things are not always as bad as they seem.

Oil Pulling

The promise: Whitens teeth, detoxes your body, probably gives you superpowers.

The reality: Swishing coconut oil around your mouth for 20 minutes isn’t exactly fun. It’s a strange, gloopy experience that makes you look like you’re auditioning for a mime show. People say it’s great for oral health - and maybe it is - but it’s also boring and makes morning coffee awkwardly delayed.

Worth a go? Only if you’ve got 20 spare minutes, strong willpower, and a high tolerance for weird textures.

Digital Detoxing

The promise: Better sleep, less stress, more time to enjoy real life.

The reality: Putting your phone down sounds simple enough until you realise you haven’t memorised a single phone number since 2004 and rely on maps to get anywhere that isn’t your kitchen. That said, turning off screens in the evening does help you wind down. The urge to check messages fades and your brain finally shuts up long enough to finish a book.

Worth a go? Absolutely. Maybe not forever, but a few hours of phone-free calm can do wonders.

Not every wellness trend is a scam. Some are helpful, some are harmless, and some are just a bit silly. If it works for you, great. If it doesn’t, you’re no less enlightened for keeping your showers warm and your coconut oil for cooking.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to feeling good - and that’s probably the most useful thing to remember.