06 Jan 6 Wellness Trends To Stay Healthy In The New Year
It’s the end of a decade — time for reflection and intention setting. A lot has happened in the past decade. Just think of all the wellness trends that have come and gone throughout the years, let alone anything else. The wellness and mindfulness space are continuously changing and evolving and it can be challenging to keep track of what the latest findings and best practices are. So here we list the top 6 wellness trends that are predicted to stick around or will come new into the picture in 2020. Are you ready to embrace wellness and live your healthiest life in 2020?
6 Wellness trends for 2020
1. Healthy nutrition will stay in focus.
In 2019, the plant-based meat market saw unprecedented growth, driven by major fast-food brands adding alt-meat menu items nationwide. Who doesn’t love a beetroot patty burger! But, while beef-less burgers were going mainstream, and major brands were jumping on the plant-based wagon, we were hit with yet another confusing nutrition study, claiming red meat might not be so bad for us after all. In 2020 we’re clearing up the confusion and getting to the bottom of nutrition science. Think less clickbait, more context and clarity. We are all on board for a more healthy and mindful diet.
On that note, the keto diet will also most likely stick around, but get an overhaul. It is suspected that the next iteration of keto will have more tools and tricks that make it easier to incorporate into any lifestyle. And you can still reap all the benefits of a keto diet. For all the vegans and vegetarians out there, the plant-based version will expand over the next year as well, for both health and environmental reasons. Win!
2. Eco-anxiety will be on the rise.
But that is not a bad thing. Another year of record-setting storms and bush fires has put the term “eco-anxiety” on the map. Global warming is not just a prediction of our far away future anymore. Understandably, more people grapple with fear about the future of our planet. We’re guessing that sustainable activism will soar to new heights in 2020—and younger generations will primarily lead it.
In 2019, consumers proved they are eager to reward companies that limit their plastic use. In 2020, expect to see more big players grappling with how to deliver their products around the planet in packaging that isn’t going to kill it. We applaud that. As a yoga student, you can already create an eco-friendly practice and support many eco-friendly yoga brands that lead the movement in the yoga world.
3. Take time out to recharge.
Burn out. The World Health Organization reclassified and expanded its definition of burnout in May 2019. It is now considered an “occupational phenomenon,” with symptoms including “feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy.”
We’re waking up more and more to the fact that chronic, prolonged stress isn’t healthy, although it’s widespread. It leads us to rethink “downtime” as, in fact, productive time. All this stress and anxiety is wreaking havoc on our mental and physical health, and we are finally coming to terms that our bodies and our minds need rest. And rest is not a bad word anymore. Yoga has enormous mental health benefits amongst many. Take some time out from your busy life. Perhaps immerse yourself in a yoga retreat to recharge and reconnect with yourself. And make friends while you are downward dogging on your mat somewhere tropical.
4. Digital detoxing is here to stay.
File this one under “Trends we’ve been predicting for years.” Next year, expect more “aeroplane mode” in the name of mental health. The benefits of digital detox are reaching the mainstream, and while it’s still daunting for some to switch off, the benefits are immense. If you haven’t tried digital fasting yet, you should give it a try. You will be happier and calmer, plus your sleep quality will improve drastically as well. And guess what, you won’t miss out on anything by not checking your social feed for a day or two. Think of all the time you have for catching up with friends, reading books or just being in nature. Or roll out your mat and practice yoga. When are you switching off in 2020?
5. The parenting focus will be on raising kind, independent kids.
Parenting style trends shift as generations do. Slowly experts come to realise that helicopter parenting might come with unintended consequences like increased anxiety, stress, and even developmental delays. Now, parents and child care experts will start to embrace a more laissez-faire lifestyle. More and more parents and schools are becoming aware of the immense benefit that yoga has on their kids. More and more schools are incorporating yoga for kids into their curriculum. Yoga will support the little ones in counterbalancing the pressure of school and overstimulation that they are already facing at a very young age. Children will also gain healthy body awareness through yoga. They will be more confident and secure, have better posture, breathe better and have a sense of quiet strength. Plus, yoga is a non-competitive physical activity, which is a great gift to give our kids living in such a competitive world. We, adults, love yoga, so our kids will love it even more and dive straight into it.
6. The rise of true wellbeing.
Wellness has been on the rise over the last few years. Everyone and every brand have jumped on the bandwagon. You might have missed a new trend in the blink of an eye. These days it’s easy to confuse wellness with $14 green juices, fancy activewear and expensive yoga studios, but that’s not the wellness Now more than ever, we need to go back to the basics of health: real food, consistent movement, and mindfulness. We now know and are more confident than ever, that moving your body improves longevity, that fruits and vegetables stave off cardiovascular disease, that 15 minutes of meditation can improve our mood and decrease stress. Research continues to support the fact that these basic practices — many of which are inexpensive or completely free — are the ones that promote lasting health in the long run. It’s never too late to start your yoga practice. There are so many yoga styles to choose from. Whether it is a vigorous vinyasa class or a more gentle Yin practice, the choice is yours. What mindful practice are you taking on in 2020?
The next year and decade will not only bring us back to basics, but it will also focus more and more on living a mindful and balanced life. From eating healthy and sustainable to fighting for our planet, it’s on us now. Having a fully booked calendar and being too busy was so “last decade”. Instead, self-care is the new black of our current lifestyles. We encourage and will continue to switch off your phones, take an extended stroll in nature, immerse ourselves in a yoga practice, whether it’s meditation or a yoga flow. Taking time out of your busy life will stay in everyone’s focus even more.
Yoga begins now
Need to take time out for yourself and immerse yourself in your yoga practice? Keen to meditate but stuck on how to start? Or are you looking for some yoga flow inspiration for your home practice? Did you know that Power Living has an online yoga studio? Yogaholics will give you 24/7 access to your favourite yoga teachers and offers different yoga flows for all levels, from yin to vinyasa or kundalini and many meditation practices to choose from.
Or, if you’re an in-person person, head to one of our studios or check out our teacher training courses to add to the wellness movement in 2020. Are you ready to roll out your mat?
Here is to living your life to the fullest and healthiest in 2020!
Written by mindbodygreen
