Science shows us metabolic health and immune strength aren’t just linked: They are intertwined.
2020 brought change for many people, and our everyday habits and behaviors have dramatically shifted. Priorities have changed and people are focusing on their health and wellness. 2021 will bring about some changes. I believe some we may not want to see, but they are coming.
The impact of COVID-19 on some people’s physical and mental well-being has presented a growing interest in eating foods that serve health-related purposes.
Strengthening the Immune System
The food industry will be supplementing and creating products with added nutrients to support immune function. Nutrients such as Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Expect an increase in sales for elderberry, echinacea, turmeric, ginger and astragalus. Supporting your immune system will better prepare you for illnesses.
There will be more immunity-enhancing treatments and energy healing–and that there will be a much bigger focus on gut health and our microbiome as it pertains to immunity and brain function.*
Purpose driven ingredients are predicted to be a store front in food, such as olive oil, vitamin C and probiotics.
People love meal kits because most of the prep work, like grocery shopping, measuring, and cutting are done. They focus on local food, sustainable practices and cater to a variety of food diets. They are convenient and will grow in popularity.
*Global Wellness Summit
Nature Nature Nature
We all can agree with an era of lockdown and social distancing that there is a profound new value being placed on nature and wilderness as healing.
Cycling, hiking, walking, paddling trips, etc... is growing fast, not only because they’re wellness experiences, but because they’re also naturally socially-distanced activities.
There is nothing like being out in nature. There are a lot of activities to do besides the cycling, hiking and paddling trips. Hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, and snow machines are big here in Wyoming. Getting outdoors is important. Though I would rather be indoors in winter, I am always sure to get out at least once a day. This clears my head and gives some much needed fresh air.
Home Wellness
This year has turned a lot of us into homebodies. I will say, I am not one of them. Maybe because I want to keep going and live or maybe things are not as bad in my corner of the world.
Simplifying our spaces will allow us to view our homes as retreats from, rather than sources of, stress.
The coming year will see us continuing to invest in our homes. That may mean taking the leap from couch desk to proper desk, perfecting your living room gym, buying more plants to add a little nature to your space, or trying out any other number of strategies to bolster the comfort, functionality, and boundaries of our living spaces. We will be looking for solutions for multi-functional spaces.*
We’re spending so much more time in our homes, so companies are looking to help us optimize that space. We will be looking at air purifiers, humidifiers, open windows, eating outside and embracing air.
We will also be exercising at home. After workout spaces closed their doors in mid March, it didn’t take us long to realize that the gym is wherever you can lay your mat. But into next year, digital workouts will become the norm, with fitness brands embracing an “omnichannel” approach that gives users access to IRL sessions, live-streaming classes, and on-demand libraries.*
*Well + Good
Beauty
The simplified lifestyle many have adopted will also influence the skin-care industry in 2021. As customers get savvier about what exactly their skin needs, they will buy fewer but more effective products. The logic follows that if you’re going to use fewer products, each needs to work harder to achieve the results you want. It’s about simplicity, and the most important things––not 17 steps.*
So while beauty may look different this year—"day" and "night" routines hardly feel necessary when we never leave our homes—it remains a reflection of who we are and what we’re going through.
While natural/clean beauty has been the trend these last few years, now products that can reduce fears around hygiene will grow, with innovative new antimicrobial and antibacterial beauty formulations (and safe, touch-free application processes and packaging) that not only make beauty safe but whose ingredients also improve skin cells and tackle blemishes.*
What we will see with skin care products: Natural Ingredients, Less Waste, Fewer, but Effective Products, Results. We will see Natural Beauty and get the best of both worlds. A blend of nature and technology. Taking natural ingredients and reproduce them in a lab for added reassurance that the formulas are safe for skin.
*Well + Good *Global Wellness Summit
Self Care
Self care is important, especially in tough times. We often get self care wrong. We think a nice bubble bath or a glass of wine alone, but think community care. YImelda more happiness by doing for others.
- buying things for others
- sending a thinking of you card
- connect with others to say you care
- call to say hello
Human beings are social and need connections with people. It is the heart of any effective self care. Relationships with others is so important. Even if you can only video chat or FaceTime. I still believe in person is best and I am totally comfortable with it. Have that glass of wine or cup of coffee with someone!
Putting an end to 2020 feels cathartic. This year has put an unprecedented strain on our lives, affecting us in ways big and small—in ways obvious and in ways we likely haven't even started to understand. Yes, 2020 has transformed us. And with the dawn of 2021 visible, we understand that our journey is not done. We still have challenges ahead. We are still learning and growing.
What are your wellness goals or resolutions for 2021?
2 Comments
Dec 29, 2020 5:50:32 AM
Stephanie @ Grateful Heart Acres - They do have some great trends for 2021. Starting healthy habits is hard. One thing at a time...make it a habit and start on the next one. Baby steps.
Dec 28, 2020 1:27:22 PM
Charity - These are some great wellness trends for 2021. I need to get back in the habit of eating healthy for the new year. Thanks so much for sharing!