Everything I’ve Tried in the Name of Wellness: What Works & What’s a Waste of Time
From sea moss gel to castor oil, a scoop of yogurt every morning, beef tallow, and red light masks
OK—are we exhausted yet with wellness trends and the endless list of things we should and shouldn’t be doing?
Honestly, I find it kind of fun and fascinating to test out different trends, but only when they feel like additions to my life, not another overwhelming to-do list. Wellness should feel good—it shouldn’t be another thing stressing you out or making you feel like you’re failing if you’re not doing it all. The second something feels like a chore, it’s a no from me. Being your own advocate is the most important part of this whole thing.
The Core
Before diving into every buzzy health trend, focus on what I call The Core—the non-negotiables for mental and physical health. These are the things that have stood the test of time: the habits of people in Blue Zones, the things your ancestors did, the things backed by actual science. No gimmicks, no weird side effects—just simple, foundational wellness that works for pretty much everyone.
Sunlight Exposure
Daily Movement
Community
Hydration
Real Whole Foods Nourishment
Consistent Quality Sleep
Optimal Vitamin & Mineral Levels
The Cherries
Then, there are The Cherries—the fun, extra things that can make you feel amazing but aren’t essential. Do we have the time? The money? The interest? Maybe, maybe not. And what works for one person might do nothing for the next. I will die on the hill that frequent sauna sessions, ice and lymphatic drainage make me feel incredible, but for someone else, they might be a waste of time or simply not realistic with their lifestyle.
So let’s get into it. Here’s my real, no-BS take on what’s actually worth your time, what’s overhyped, and what’s just straight-up marketing. Because I love the science, I love the experience, and I love feeling my best. Let’s go.
The Overhyped Wellness Trends (Save Your Money)
Sleepy Girl Tart Cherry Juice Mocktail for Sleep & Recovery
(Magnesium + Cherry Juice + Olipop)
Worth it? No. I would much rather a pure magnesium that doesn’t have sugar before bed. The carbonation also is not great for bloating especially before bed. Is it a fun drink though, yes!
What happened:
- Helped relax me but didn’t impact my sleep in a positive way.
What the experts say: Tart cherry juice contains natural melatonin and anti-inflammatory properties, but avoid ones with added sugar.
Sea Moss Gel
Worth it? It’s not magical, but it’s nutrient-dense. People claim it has cleared their skin but there is really no research that supports that.
What happened:
- Didn’t drastically change my health, but provided good minerals.
- Didn’t notice a direct change in anything.
What the experts say: Sea moss is rich in iodine, potassium, and minerals, which can support thyroid function and gut health, but it won’t cure diseases like some TikTokers claim.
Probiotic Supplements vs. Probiotic Yogurt
Worth it? Depends on the source. Would I choose this over taking a spore based probiotic 100% no. But could make a great addition.
What happened:
- Some probiotic yogurts had added sugars that counteracted the benefits.
- Supplements gave a broader range of strains and more potent effects on digestion.
What the experts say: Recommended to choose targeted probiotic supplements over yogurt, which often lacks variety in strains.
Gummy Vitamins
Not worth it.
What happened:
- Packed with sugar and artificial flavoring.
- Didn’t feel any difference.
- Lower-quality forms of vitamins compared to capsules.
What the experts say: Most gummy vitamins contain fillers and low doses of nutrients compared to high-quality whole-food supplements.
Beef Tallow Moisturizer
Not worth it—caused breakouts and clogged pores.
What happened:
- Felt extremely heavy and greasy on my skin.
- Caused congestion and breakouts, especially for acne-prone skin.
- Didn’t absorb well and left a residue.
What the experts say: While beef tallow is promoted as a natural, ancestral skincare ingredient, it’s highly comedogenic and can trap bacteria in the skin. If you’re acne-prone or sensitive, it’s best to avoid.
Better alternative: Jojoba or squalane oil—both mimic the skin’s natural sebum and absorb without clogging pores.
The Game-Changers: What Actually Works
Cold Plunges
Worth it? Yes
What happened:
- Skyrocketed my energy levels and mood instantly. (Picture taking a happy energizing pill - that is how I felt after)
- Improved recovery from workouts and inflammation over time.
- Built mental resilience—after an ice bath, daily stress feels easier. Also there is something so liberating by challenging yourself and accomplishing the hard thing.
What the experts say: swear by cold exposure for its nervous system benefits. Cold plunges increase dopamine by up to 250 percent, making them one of the best natural mood boosters.
Pro tip: Start with cold showers before committing to a full plunge.
Infrared Sauna
Worth it? Yes, if you’re consistent.
What happened:
- Noticeably improved my skin and made me glow. (Really helped me with my acne)
- Helped me sweat out toxins and felt like a deep reset.
- Reduced soreness after workouts.
What the experts say: Many longevity experts recommend saunas for detox, inflammation reduction, and even cardiovascular benefits.
Pro tip: Drink electrolytes before and after to prevent dehydration and low energy.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Worth it? Yes, if you want to feel snatched.
What happened:
- Immediate depuffing—jawline and cheekbones popped.
- Felt lighter and more energized after every session.
- Helped with bloating and digestion when done regularly.
What the experts say: Lymphatic drainage supports detox, but you don’t need an expensive massage—daily movement, dry brushing, and rebounding (mini trampoline) work, too.
High-Protein Breakfasts
Worth it? Life-changing.
What happened:
- No more mid-morning crashes or sugar cravings.
- Felt fuller for hours and snacked way less.
- My skin cleared up from better blood sugar control.
What the experts say: Stabilizes blood sugar, keeps you full for longer, prevents energy crashes, and promotes lean muscle.
Pro tip: Prioritize at least 30 grams of protein at breakfast.
Red Light Therapy for Skin & Inflammation
Worth it? Yes, but only if you’re consistent.
What happened:
- Reduced redness and breakouts in my skin.
- Helped with wound healing, fine lines, texture and post-facial recovery.
- Boosted my mood during winter.
What the experts say: Science-backed for collagen production, reducing inflammation, and improving skin health—but results take weeks to show.
Pro tip: Try using a mask for 10 minutes daily.
Adaptogens
Worth it? Yes, but don’t expect them to change your life overnight.
What happened:
- Helped with stress management and energy levels.
- Felt like a natural way to support the body’s ability to handle stress.
- Not as strong as prescription adaptogens, but still effective for overall well-being.
What the experts say: Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and reishi have proven benefits for stress regulation, hormone balance, and immune support, but they’re not a quick fix—think of them as long-term support.
Tongue Scraping
Worth it? Yes. Digestion starts in the mouth! Oral health and gut health go hand in hand.
What happened:
- Breath was fresher and just felt overall cleaner.
- My taste buds felt more sensitive. Helped get rid of cravings.
- Helped remove gunk that brushing alone didn’t.
What the experts say: Ayurveda has promoted tongue scraping for centuries, and while it won’t detox your body, it improves oral hygiene.
Dry Brushing
Worth it? Yes, especially for circulation.
What happened:
- Skin felt smoother, more plump but snatched and less dry.
- Helped with circulation and slight depuffing.
What the experts say: Dry brushing stimulates lymphatic flow, but results are temporary. It’s best paired with movement and hydration.
Castor Oil
Worth it? Yes, but takes time and can be messy.
What happened:
- Helped with digestion and bloating.
- Was amazing for hair growth especially on eyebrows and lashes. But needs to be used consistently.
What the experts say: Functional medicine practitioners use castor oil packs for liver detox and lymphatic drainage, but you have to use them consistently.
Final Thoughts
Not every wellness trend is worth your time or your wallet. The real winners? Cold exposure, sauna, protein-first eating, tongue scrapping, lymphatic work, red light therapy —backed by science and actually effective.
Skip the gimmicks like gummy vitamins, sleep mocktails, excessive exfoliation, and TikTok’s random skin hacks. Your skin, gut, and energy will thank you.
What’s the wildest wellness trend you’ve tried? Let’s discuss.
Thank you for sharing! I’d have to agree with the wellness trends you swear by. These are the ones I’ve noticed a different with.
A wellness trend I think could be beneficial for some, but certainly didn’t help me was bone broth trend in particular the bone broth hot chocolate trend. I would breakout in hives.
Another wellness trend I swear by is castor oil for under eyes. I no longer spend hundreds of dollars on eye creams. Castor oil has helped my dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles!!
I've never read anything of yours before, but when this popped up I immediately clicked. This was a great read, very helpful and honest. Loved the science backed evidence too. Thank you!