Mecca Games has recently highlighted the impact of online trends on our daily lives, from work routines to leisure activities. These trends, widely popularised on social media and digital platforms, are shaping how we work, eat, exercise, and relax; #trendnew has seen 2,000 TikTok posts and 14 million views [2] in the last 20 days in the UK.
While following online trends may offer benefits such as boosting productivity and encouraging healthier habits, it’s important to understand that not all trends suit everyone. Mecca Games spoke to Celebrity Mindset and Transformation Coach, Noor Hibbert, to find out more about the positives and negatives of each trend.
- Digital Detox
This trend involves taking time away from electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. It often includes activities like spending time outdoors, reading books, or engaging in face-to-face social interactions.
Noor explains “Detoxing from digital devices offers a break from constant stimulation, leading to improved focus and reduced stress, and disconnecting from screens nurtures meaningful interactions with loved ones”.
However, “detoxing may inadvertently lead to social isolation, especially if our primary interactions are online”, adding that “there are potential professional implications as many rely on the digital realm for business, making online presence pivotal for career growth”.
For this trend, Noor recommends that “Rather than going cold turkey, one can use apps to manage screen time and establish strict on-off hours, such as prohibiting screens in the bedroom after a certain time.”
- 75 Hard Challenge
This challenge is a structured program where you follow set goals such as doing two 45-minute exercise sessions, drinking a gallon of water daily, reading 10 pages of a personal development book, and avoiding alcohol and cheat meals for 75 days. #75hard has a total of 521,000 posts on TikTok, with a video of day 75 by@mamakarlsss having 1.5m likes.
Described by Noor as “an intense trend aimed at cultivating mental toughness and self-discipline through a series of daily tasks”, she shares that it “Fosters resilience, discipline, and a sense of achievement, and positive improvement in physical health”.
However, she highlights that “Because of the intensity, this challenge may lead to burn out or injury if not approached with caution. Also, this program is very strict which may not suit everyone is lifestyles, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy, or failure if they can’t stick to it all”, showing that this challenge can be positive or negative.
- Meal Prep and Healthy Eating
With this trend, people plan and prepare their meals in advance, typically for the week ahead which helps them stick to their dietary goals and establish eating habits. On TikTok alone, #MealPrep has 993 posts, showing recipes and their macros.
Noor suggests that benefits of this trend include “Better control over ingredients and portion sizes, nurturing a healthier diet while saving time during busy weekdays and more quality time with family, as well as financial savings by buying ingredients in bulk.”
Still, some drawbacks emphasised by Noor are that “the initial time investment for planning, shopping, and cooking can feel overwhelming, especially for those juggling responsibilities. While meal prep offersnumerous benefits, it may limit spontaneity, hindering the enjoyment of exploring new foods or dining experiences.”
- Remote Work and Digital Nomad Lifestyles
More people are embracing the flexibility of remote work, with 228k TikTok users posting videos using #digitalnomad to show their lifestyle of working from anywhere with an internet connection.
Noor highlights “freedom and flexibility” as “the biggest pros” due to “remote working often leading to much better work, life balance and improved stress levels”.
However, being remote has potential downsides such as “isolation”,needing “a high level of self-discipline and time management”, “having reliable Internet access” and “being aware that time zone differences could impact communication and productivity.”
- Daily Hydration Goals
Setting hydration goals involves aiming to drink a certain amount of water each day to maintain optimal hydration levels. This trend emphasises the importance of staying hydrated for overall health and wellbeing.
Noor provides the pros and cons: “Staying hydrated is crucial for bodily functions, cognitive function, and skin health. Yet, excessive water intake can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Constantly monitoring hydration levels may be impractical for some, particularly those with busy schedules or limited restroom access.”
- Ice Bath Challenges
Ice baths are used as a recovery tool after intense workouts, ascold water helps reduce muscle inflammation and soreness, speeding up the recovery process. #Icebath has 150k TikTok posts and ‘How long to icebath’ has had a search increase of +243% [3]showing people want to immerse themselves in icy water as part of the popular fitness trend.
Benefits of this trend are that “Cold immersion therapy has shown promising benefits, including reduced inflammation, muscle soreness, and enhanced immune function, along with positive impacts on resilience.“
Yet, some challenges that Noor shares are that “without proper supervision and understanding of preparation techniques, there is a risk of hypothermia or cold-related injuries. Ice baths can also be physically uncomfortable and may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or sensitivities.”
- Making Your Bed Every Morning:
This simple habit involves tidying up and making the bed immediately after waking up each morning. Advocates of this practice believe that starting the day with a neat and organised environment sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and promotes a sense of accomplishment.
Noor accentuates that “This small task can provide a sense of accomplishment at the start of the day, setting a positive tone.
However, some may perceive making the bed as a trivial chore, questioning its impact on productivity or well-being. In rushed mornings or hectic days, making the bed may feel burdensome, leading to stress or resentment.”
- 10,000 Steps Challenge:
Searches for ‘Do you need to walk 10,000 steps a day’ have increased by +4,700% in the past 12 months [4]; walking 10,000 steps per day has become a popular fitness goal, based on the idea that walking is a simple yet effective form of exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, increase energy levels, and overall wellbeing. People track their steps using wearable fitness trackers or smartphone apps, aiming to reach the step target each day.
As Noor recognises “Striving for 10,000 steps encourages individuals to lead a more active lifestyle, provides accountability, motivates individuals to prioritise movement and break sedentary habits. Additionally, regular exercise, such as walking, is associated with reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function.”
A downfall of this trend recognised by Noor is that “the 10,000-step target may be unrealistic for some with busy schedules or health constraints, potentially leading to an unhealthy fixation on metrics, rather than listening to one’s body.”
Overall, Noor’s thoughts towards social trends are that “Ultimately, thepressure to adopt every trend can be overwhelming. It’s essential to discern which practices align with your life without succumbing to external pressures. These trends are meant to enhance life, so if any do the opposite, it’s vital to adapt them or let them go completely.”
