Health and Wellness Gone Wrong: 5 Trends That Might Be Messing People Up (From a Psychologist’s POV)

Health and wellness saturates everything these days. Social media overflows with green smoothies, yoga poses, and #selfcare hashtags. The promise? Feeling amazing. But what if some trendy habits secretly harm more than help? A Forbes article by psychologist Mark Travers, published on March 7, 2025, reveals five wellness fads that might quietly stress people out—or worse. Here’s the breakdown, plus tips to keep things grounded.

Start with intermittent fasting. The buzz claims skipping breakfast slims waists and boosts longevity. But hold on—Mark warns it’s not for everyone. For those with anxiety or a rocky food history, fasting can spark guilt or fixation. Physically, it might sap energy or disrupt hormones, especially if the body’s not on board. The advice? Pay attention to hunger cues—forcing a fast that leaves someone cranky might not beat a steady snack rhythm. Studies even suggest irregular eating patterns could spike cortisol, the stress hormone, leaving folks wired instead of refreshed.

Next, ice baths. Plunging into freezing water sounds hardcore—Wim Hof’s followers rave about icy perks. Yet Mark cautions the hype might oversell it. Unless recovering from intense workouts, the benefits stay shaky. It could spike stress or just leave someone shivering pointlessly. And for anyone with heart concerns? Steer clear. A warm shower offers calm without the chill factor. Plus, research shows cold plunges might not boost mood long-term—more of a shock than a solution.

Then, biohacking supplements. Popping nootropics or vitamin stacks screams “optimized living,” but Mark raises doubts. Science doesn’t fully back many of these, and they could clash with meds or drain bank accounts more than boost health. The takeaway? Skip playing test subject—focus on sleep and real food before chasing pricey “brain dust.” Overdosing on unregulated pills risks side effects like jitters or worse, especially without a doctor’s nod.

Fourth, social media detoxes. Doomscrolling drags moods down, so quitting X or TikTok seems like a win. But Mark notes a full unplug can backfire. Cutting off online pals or useful info might isolate more than liberate. The smarter move? Trim the feed—ditch toxic wellness shaming, keep what sparks joy (like memes)—instead of going dark. Balance beats bans; connection matters too.

Lastly, extreme minimalism. Decluttering feels freeing—Marie Kondo’s method had everyone thanking socks—but overdoing it can stress folks out more than clutter ever did. Mark highlights that tossing everything might leave someone regretting lost essentials or trapped in perfectionism, fretting over owning an extra mug. Balance matters—hold onto what works without turning life into a barren showroom. Studies link over-minimalism to anxiety in some, as empty spaces can feel sterile rather than serene.

Here’s the relatable angle: plenty have hopped on wellness bandwagons. Who hasn’t sipped a kale smoothie and called it transformative? Mark’s take cuts through—obsessing over trends can exhaust rather than uplift. Wellness isn’t universal, and dropping what doesn’t fit feels fine. Someone might love yoga but hate fasting—great, stick with what clicks. The real win? Tuning into what genuinely boosts mood, not what influencers push. Chasing every fad often leads to burnout, not breakthroughs. Take sleep, for instance—eight hours trumps any $100 supplement stack. Or movement—dancing in the kitchen beats stressing over ice bath temps.

So when the next wellness craze tempts, pause. Does it lift spirits or pile on pressure? Mark’s insight keeps it real—health leans less on flashy gimmicks and more on what keeps people steady and content. Ditch the hype, folks—wellness should build up, not break down. Simplicity wins: eat what fuels, move what feels good, rest like it’s a priority. That’s the vibe that lasts.