One major trend that is expected to continue in 2023 is the focus on wellness and self-care. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of taking care of their physical and mental health, and are seeking out products and services that can help them do so. This includes everything from fitness and exercise products, such as workout weights and yoga mats, to self-care items like essential oils and scented candles.

OFFICE CULTURE

While hybrid working is still a priority, we’re becoming more accustomed to the day-to-day office life that we once knew so well, from the daily commute right down to office politics. But despite things returning (somewhat) to normal, there are some things that have truly changed – and making mental health and wellbeing a greater priority in the workplace is one of them. According to Deloitte’s 2022 mental health report, one-third of employees expect or would like more support for their mental health and wellbeing from their employers – and with this change in attitude from employees, companies are beginning to get on board.

DIGITAL NOMADS TO THE EXTREME

In the lifestyle in 2023, from Vietnam to Nigeria, people with a better socioeconomic level will be able to travel freely again and find pleasure in visiting places they never imagined being, such as countries in Africa and Asia. Similarly, parents within this population spectrum will choose to provide a global education to their children through travel, after two years of education at home or interrupted by the health contingency.

IN SEARCH OF SELFIMPROVEMENT

Mental health and wellness experts are still trying to help people find ways to combat negativity and lifestyle in 2023 after rates of depression and anxiety skyrocketed globally. However, we will see a continuing lifestyle trend in 2023 in which much of the population improve their skills after spending the lockdowns of the pandemic devoting their free time to hobbies: from cooking and hiking to playing a new musical instrument, taking online courses or learning another foreign language.

OUTDOORS ACTIVITIES

People will continue to move to greener landscapes due to the violent crime arising from the increasingly marked economic inequality, the confinement due to the health crisis of COVID-19, and the stratospheric rise in house prices in cities globally. From a day trip to a trip for several months, in general, society will look for the green landscapes and pure air of the countryside, in an attempt to find new horizons where to settle.

GO GREEN

This trend has been on the rise in recent years, sustainability is big, and it’s here to stay. Consumers are increasingly looking for green alternatives, whether that’s reusable items as opposed to single-use, or products made from sustainable materials rather than plastic or rare resources.

BIG AND BOLD

As more Gen Z individuals and ‘Zillennials’ start to become homeowners, you may see a trend of bold, contrasting colours making its way into homes. They show a preference for bright colours, specifically yellows (the colour of happiness, joy, and positivity) and greens (the colour of nature, health, and growth). Additionally, the colour purple (the colour of royalty, luxury, and spiritualism) is predicted to become more popular in 2023. Gen Z’s love the contrast of bright colours which suggests the start of a move away from the trend of minimalism where homes became varying shades of nude, white and grey.

PERSONALIZED WELLNESS EXPERIENCES

People expect personalised health and wellness. But consumers are also increasingly privacy-conscious – they’re wary of who they share their personal data with. Fifty-six percent of consumers say they don’t trust tech companies with their health information. Wellness brands are going beyond building personalized marketing campaigns and building tailor-made product offerings unique to the consumer. According to a recent study, 58% of consumers are «very interested» in personalized supplements made just for them, with younger generations like Gen Z and millennials being most interested (71%).

AGELESSNESS AGEING

As technology helps us to grow older, the perception of ageing has radically changed. People spend billions of euros to look more youthful. The desire to look younger spurred a humongous anti-ageing industry. There are many books, supplements, videos, and courses available that provide support in fighting the signs of age. Then there are the weight loss clinics, personal coaches, nutritional advisors, and other health gurus that guide their clients in preserving youth. Anti-ageing creams and make-up cover up some of the marks of time.

ADAPTOGENS TO BOOST FOOD BENEFITS

Different kinds of foods and nutrients can affect our energy and wellbeing. Eating dark chocolate, for example, can improve your mood. (It’s science!) In 2023 people will pay more attention to adaptogens, active ingredients in plants and mushrooms that may affect how our bodies deal with stress, anxiety and fatigue. By adding adaptogens to other foods, we can boost the health benefits of those foods. For example, you may add some turmeric to a smoothie or soup because of the spice’s potential to reduce inflammation. Or consider ashwagandha, otherwise known as Indian winter cherry or Indian ginseng, which is becoming popular for its potential calming effect on how your brain responds to stress. Or don’t forget about mushroom coffee, which blends mushroom extract and ground coffee beans to help reduce stress and inflammation.

SENSEHACKING TO CHANGE THE MOOD

Sensehacking — a big wellbeing trend for 2023 — highlights the crucial role that senses play in our everyday lives. Our senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) can change how we feel almost instantly, so this trend is all about becoming happier and more productive by ‘hacking’ our senses. According to the experts, sensehacking is said to help improve your cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Easy ways to boost the senses at home include using diffusers, candles, wax melts or pillow sprays, and using colour psychology to make our environment spark creativity, and positivity and boost our mental health.

THE WELLNESS TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2023

Eating the last meal before sunset. There is a shift to earlier dinner reservations (at 17.00 or 18.00) across the hospitality industry, people are more informed of the effects a late dinner has on their sleep, readiness and recovery. Expect to see a lot of wellness gurus eating early with plenty of time to digest and set themselves up for a successful sleep routine.

Low-intensity workouts. Walking really took center stage during the pandemic when gyms, studios and classes were shut down. People finally realized they can move their bodies, feel good and yield results without putting themselves through torture. Expect to see forms of lower intensity movement continue to center the conversation with long walks, mat work, pilates and mobility exercises working their way into fitness routines.

At-home beauty treatments. It’s no secret that at-home skincare routines have become increasingly popular in the last few years and the urge to preserve youthful skin is still alive and well. Consumers have more opportunities to take their beauty regimen into their own hands and have access to spa quality equipment and treatments for a fraction of the price.

Digital detox. People are starting to realize that taking social media breaks and disconnecting from technology in general on a regular basis is not only therapeutic but also attainable as a self-care goal. People are finding they can enjoy life outside their phones more holistically and set healthier communication boundaries.

Movement snacks. More and more studies are finding that breaking up your exercise regimen into smaller movement snacks throughout the day is not only perfectly healthy, but it can also be more beneficial than forcing yourself to do one longer workout session. There is a shift in our general mindset around fitness, letting us find enjoyment and strength without the pressure of carving out a large amount of time.

Noma Nazish, forbes.com