Stay soft and enjoy a simpler approach to wellness, or go hard and dive into intense self-care.

Here’s the latest dual approach to wellbeing.

Its easy to see how opposites shape our worldand wellness is no exception.

alt

On one end, youve got so-called softcaresoothing and simpler practices.

Yet despite their differences, both methods aim for the same goal: optimal wellness.

Think of this way: Soft wellness is like a cozy,weighted blanketon a rainy day.

Two hands holding out two of the best bullet vibrators, according to testers and sex experts.

Its also typically cheaper and more accessible than the other side of the spectrum.

Or just consider how ubiquitous meditation and mindfulness have become.

And businesses are taking note, too.

alt

Revenue from meditation apps is expected to reach $5.1 billion globally in 2024, according toStatista.

Its the antithesis to tuning into your feelingsand instead relies heavily on the hyper-optimization of health.

McGroarty also points to the surge of medicine in more traditional wellness spaces.

alt

What is The Missionary Sex Position?

We have a disease-care system, not a healthcare system.

People want to know how to be empowered to take care of their own health, he says.

alt

The company is just one of a handful of concierge services with an aim at preventative care.

Dr. Hyman points to the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for consumers seeking a better understanding.

People want to be empowered with their own information and data.

well+good review of under the tram in jackson hole wyoming, a VRBO 2025 vacation rental of the year

Companies likeInsideTrackerandEverlywelloffer consumers at-home tests to determine food allergies, stress levels, metabolic health, and more.

The problem with these tests is the overall lack of oversight.

While some DTC tests are reviewed by theFDA, others are not before theyre offered to consumers.

person in an orange sweater with their black hair pulled into a bun sitting on their couch at home in their living room while looking at the window, learning how to overcome burnout based on personality type

Like a lab test, hard wellness is outcome-focused.

The viral sensation billionaire is known for self-funding bizarre and often untested procedures in an attempt to live forever.

But you dont need to be a billionaire or even pick one approach over the other.

There is no longer one wellness narrative or unifying trend, McGroartywrites.

The future is both harder and softer care, and that polarity will only widen.

The dual approach to wellness recognizes that self-care and self-awareness are equally important.

And ultimately, that means youre also shaping a wellness journey thats as dynamic as you are.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.