Buzz
Photo: Renata Hamuda/Getty ImagesInitially, there was habit stacking, and now wellness stacking has emerged as the latest TikTok trend revolutionizing self-care. Habit stacking involves pairing a new habit with an existing one, using the established habit as a trigger. For instance, if you aim to meditate more, you might practice a brief meditation session while brushing your teeth.
Wellness stacking takes this habit-forming strategy and applies it more deliberately to personal well-being. The objective? To seamlessly incorporate essential self-care into your daily schedule, no matter how hectic your day might be.
What Is Wellness Stacking and Why Is It Popular on TikTok?
Habit stacking revolves around leveraging existing routines to foster new ones, initiating the fresh habit either during or immediately following the established one. With wellness stacking, you select a group of wellness practices that can be integrated into a specific timeframe. You might begin with an activity you already perform regularly, though it’s not mandatory.
Wellness stacking has surged in popularity on social media for several reasons: it’s time-efficient, brings purpose to your day, benefits your health—and it’s enjoyable. Bridgette Muller, known as @hummusbirrd on TikTok, has launched a daily series where she explores various wellness stacks. In one video, her stack includes reclining on a PEMF mat with a neck posture corrector, donning vision therapy glasses prescribed by her optometrist, and applying teeth whitening strips.
Wellness Stacking Ideas
The primary aim of wellness stacking is dedicating a block of time to a single self-care activity (starting with twenty minutes is ideal, but any available time works). This could be a new practice or an existing one, such as walking your dog after work. Once the initial habit is firmly in place, you can build your stack around it.
While it’s enjoyable to see how many activities you can combine into one session, the ultimate aim is relaxation, wellness, and improved overall health. If combining too many tasks feels overwhelming, costly, or counterproductive, simplify your list and focus on what works best. Below are some general wellness stacks to help you get started.
Healthy Food, a Podcast, and Aromatherapy
Enjoying a nutritious meal or snack made with seasonal produce is beneficial on its own, but you can enhance the experience. Pair it with listening to your favorite podcast as you eat, and use a diffuser with your preferred essential oil to either energize or calm you, depending on your current needs.
Walking, Mindfulness Meditation, and a Hair Mask
Walking offers numerous unexpected health benefits that extend beyond cardiovascular improvement. While a clay face mask might not be ideal for an outdoor walk, you can easily combine it with mindfulness meditation through earbuds and a hydrating hair mask. You might also add some gentle arm stretches to the mix.
Red Light Therapy, Scalp Massage, and a Foot Mask
Consider a wellness stack that targets your well-being from head to toe. Red light therapy masks can revitalize your skin and even address acne concerns. Importantly, these LED masks are generally safe. Settle into a comfortable position where you can wear the mask while giving yourself a soothing scalp massage, after applying a customized foot mask.
Weighted Blanket, Breathwork, and a Cuticle Oil Treatment
Weighted blankets can provide stress relief when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Choose a weight that suits you and pair it with breathwork exercises to enhance relaxation. Since wellness stacks don’t need to follow a single theme, incorporate a skincare step like applying cuticle oil for healthier nails.
