After living through a Pandemic, we all want to feel healthier both physically and mentally.  Focusing on health and wellness in 2021 is a great place to start.  We know eating the right foods, movement, self-care, and life balance promise a path to wellness and wellbeing.  So what are the trends in 2021 that will have a positive impact on our lives? 

Below are my top picks for the coming year.

#1 Wellness Trend – Home Gyms

Since it looks like we’re going to be home for a bit longer — and at the very least, our gyms won’t be quite the same for a while this is making more room for a new sector of the market to explode and for a new trend to dominate your Instagram and Facebook feeds – At-home workout apps, equipment, and gyms.

One new trend is to make the home gym ascetically pleasing. Gorgeously crafted new machines with an integrated training program and many take up minimal space.  I anticipate you will see a lot more coming in 2021.  Personally, I really enjoy working out at home. 

#2 Wellness Trend – Health and Wellness Coaching goes Beyond Diet and Fitness 

The primary goal of this new form of lifestyle coaching is to encourage positive behavior changes in areas such as nutrition, physical fitness, smoking cessation, sleep management, and stress management.  Although dietitians, personal trainers, and psychotherapists provide similar services, what makes the board-certified health and wellness coach different is not what topics they address, but how they address them. Board-certified wellness coaches are trained in motivational interviewing techniques that ask nonjudgmental, open-ended questions that provide opportunities for the client to explore their own motivations of change in collaboration with their coach.  Often clients know what they want, but haven’t found the motivation within themselves to get where they want to go.  That’s where the health coach can make a difference. You can find a list of certified coaches at the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches at NBHWC.org. 

#3 Wellness Trend – Mental Health is Becoming a Priority

In recent years, Mental health is now a part of our everyday conversation and there is no more shame for having feelings of panic, anxiety, stress, and being overwhelmed.

Thanks to the Pandemic, Telehealth is now becoming mainstream which means people can now have a therapy appointment from the comfort of their own home. I think this will continue to progress in 2021.

#4 Wellness Trend – Rest Is Important for Your Health: Getting Back to Basics, Doing Less, and Feeling Better

While fitness and healthy living is still a top priority, we’re realizing that we don’t have to do the most to be healthy.  Sometimes doing less is better.   90-minute boot camps or super-restrictive diets can be stressful if not done in moderation. Let’s make wellness simple and accessible again!

A 20-minute workout or a walk can raise your mood and take care of your body. Eating nutritious, whole foods, and 20 minutes of movement can do wonders for your overall well-being, metabolism, and immune system, without all the extra steps and stress.  Focusing on the simple things: move, nourish, hydrate, sleep, self-care are great goals for 2021!

#5 Wellness Trend – Recovery and Sleep Health

Recovery — with an emphasis on good, restful sleep — will be key in 2021. Most people that exercise don’t always consider the importance of recovery and good restful sleep, but my research shows more at-home massage tools, at home infrared saunas, float tanks, and more stretching apps will be available.  Also, keep your eyes peeled for more sleep trackers and specialized sleep coaches.

#6 Wellness Trend – Plant-Based eating is good for you and good for the environment

Speaking of eating patterns… I foresee the trend toward more semi-vegetarian eating (fewer animal products, more veggies, fish, and eggs). The approach is more flexible and less intimidating for many people who’ve been considering a switch to an animal-free diet. Additionally, this allows someone to feel like they’re making a difference (for the climate, planet, animals, etc.), without completely changing their entire lifestyle or way of eating. Of course, finding balance is key, not going to extremes, but finding a happy medium. Will you be adding more plant-based meals to your plate in 2021?

#7 Wellness Trend – More Self-Care: Reducing Social Media and Screen Time

Many of us are spending more time on our devices: Zoom, cell phones, iPads, and Social Media, Online education and screen-fatigue and tech burnout are real, especially after being cooped up during the Pandemic. Research is reporting the side effects of blue light and screen time on our eye health, mental health, sleep cycles, and more.  Technology is great for example a 30-minute workout using an iPad screen, but three hours of scrolling through Instagram or Facebook post may impact your health in the long run.

I hope you found this article helpful.  I would love to know what you will be adding to your 2021 Health and Wellness plan?