8 Hot Health and Wellness Trends Coming in 2021

by Melissa Chichester

Another year has gone by, and it’s almost time for the season of renewal and resolutions. Many people seek better health or self-improvement as part of their goals for the new year. That’s why we have researched to find out the hottest wellness trends awaiting in 2021!

Immune health

Immune health has been a top focus for many. People are continuing to do their own research to learn more about the complexities of the immune system and how it works. This trend is also shaping decisions consumers are making about exercise, lifestyle habits, diet, and supplements. 

>>How the Immune System Works 

Nutritional supplements 

In addition to searching for nutrient-dense foods, people are complementing their healthy lifestyles with nutrients from supplements. Some of the most popular supplements include:

Be sure to discuss any new supplements with your healthcare provider prior to taking.

Plant-based food 

People continue to seek out fresh, plant-based food as a means of getting the nutrition they need. In 2020, gardening experienced a resurgence. People also began preparing and preserving more foods at home, using methods such as canning to preserve garden produce. Plus, the purchase of plant-based alternatives to milk, ice cream, meat, and other products continues to grow.

At-home fitness

More and more people are opting to do their workouts at home right now. This has caused a surge in workouts that are available on streaming services, social media, apps, and even live workouts in virtual hangouts. If you want to workout with others but do it from the comfort of your home, hop online and see what’s out there! There are many options for both free and paid workout sessions. 

Forest bathing 

Forest bathing is the act of spending time outdoors under a canopy of trees.

According to Google Trends, searches related to forest bathing grew by more than 300% worldwide in 2020.

Forest bathing is a practice that originated in Japan in the 1980s as a means of encouraging city dwellers to enjoy nature. The movement grew, and soon it was studied by researchers for its therapeutic benefits. In 2019, an article in Global Advances in Health and Medicine found that forest bathing helped relieve tension and helped reduce stress. Spending time outdoors is also linked to improved cognitive health. 

Mindfulness 

According to the Foundation for a Mindful Society, mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” The practice of mindfulness has spread to just about every wellness practice you can think of. This includes intentional eating and mindful snacking and taking short breaks throughout the day to focus on and appreciate the moment. Want to be more mindful? Consider keeping a gratitude journal in the new year. 

Telehealth

Virtual doctor visits soared in 2020, and this trend is expected to stick around in 2021. Want to know more about telehealth? Read our guide to virtual doctor visits

Ear Seeds

If you’ve ever received acupuncture or acupressure, you might be familiar with ear seeds already. Self-adhesive ear seeds are placed on various points on your ear to activate and pressurize your body. To use ear seeds, apply pressure gently and massage the seeds with a circular motion for up to three minutes.

Want to compare how this list compares to previous years? Check out some of the top trends in 2020 and 2019 below: