Adapting to the New Normal: Wellness Trends Shaped by Global Events

Recent events, especially COVID-19, have changed how we live and take care of ourselves, leading to new wellness trends. For instance, because of past pandemic restrictions, we had to come up with creative ways to exercise at home. And while this wasn’t the only change, one thing is certain: these new trends are here to stay for now.

For anyone working in wellness, like fitness trainers, mental health experts, or marketers, it's crucial to keep up with these trends. Knowing what's new helps you serve your clients better by meeting their changing needs.

This article will cover:

• The rise of digital wellness

• Greater attention to mental and emotional health 

• New trends in nutrition and diets 

• Holistic health approaches

We'll also look at what might be next in wellness to further help you adapt and stay ahead in the evolving world of health and wellness.

The rise of digital wellness

One thing that has risen in this new normal is digital wellness.  More than ever, people are turning to online options for fitness, checking on their health, and even medical advice. Here's a closer look at how digital wellness is growing across different areas:

Virtual fitness classes and online workouts 

With gyms closed, many turned to online classes and virtual fitness platforms to keep active. For instance, Peloton, known for its interactive cycling classes, saw a dramatic increase in subscribers during the pandemic. Another example is fitness influencer Chloe Ting also exploded in popularity, gaining millions of followers by providing free workout sessions in the process. 

Aside from the convenience, these virtual platforms also offered a sense of belonging and community, which helped people cope with feelings of isolation and lack of connection with people.

While the world is more open nowadays, allowing a return to in-person and face-to-face classes, many people still see this new way of physical exertion as more convenient and safer.

Wellness apps and wearables

The use of wellness apps and wearable technology has skyrocketed. According to this article, it is because these tools are giving their users and wearers personalized data, which helps them make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle. For example, the Apple watch has the ability to detect irregular heart rhythms and perform ECGs, which can potentially save lives.

Similarly, fitness trackers and health monitoring apps have become integral in daily health management, offering insights into physical activity, sleep quality, and even mental well-being. This technology empowers individuals to take control of their health, encourages proactive management of chronic conditions, and supports the shift towards personalized medicine by tailoring healthcare to individual needs.

Telehealth services

The shift to telehealth has revolutionized how we access healthcare. Now patients can conveniently consult doctors and specialists through online platforms like Teladoc and Zocdoc, eliminating the need for in-office visits. Virtual appointments are often available within days, saving time. 

Telehealth also makes it easier to get professional medical advice, empowering people to proactively address health concerns. By overcoming geographic barriers and improving access to care, this online care revolution has the potential to benefit public health. Telehealth delivers healthcare straight to your home at your schedule, expanding options for timely treatment.

Greater attention to mental and emotional well-being

There's also been a significant shift towards prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, with various strategies and tools emerging to support this focus.

Mindfulness and meditation 

The rise in meditation apps like Headspace and Calm reflects a growing demand for tools that help manage stress and enhance mental well-being. These platforms offer guided sessions to make mindfulness easily accessible to all. These two industry leaders have made upward of 200 billion in 2022—another indicator of people wanting to prioritize their mental well-being.

Digital detox and wellness tourism 

Another trend gaining momentum is the movement towards digital detoxes—taking intentional breaks from digital devices to reduce their associated stresses—and wellness tourism, where individuals travel to serene environments to recover from stress brought about by pandemic-induced stress and the digital overload of life.

How long will this particular trend last? Well, Forbes reports that since 2020, wellness tourism has had a 36% annual growth. Furthermore, it is projected to grow an additional 16.6% through 2027, indicating that this is going to be more than a passing fad.

Virtual support groups

Virtual support groups, such as those on this list, offer a space for individuals to connect over shared experiences and challenges. They allow users to seek advice and support as well as discuss their feelings and struggles anonymously. More importantly, they provide a sense of community and belonging, helping to reduce feelings of isolation. 

New nutrition and diet trends

A growing focus on health and wellness has driven significant shifts in eating habits and nutrition. Because COVID-19 was thought to come from an animal source, it highlighted the vulnerabilities in animal-based food supply chains and raised awareness about diseases that spread from animals to humans. This also led many people to reconsider meat consumption and favor plant-based diets instead. 

This diet is particularly beneficial, as research indicates it offers numerous health advantages, including enhanced protection in the pandemic era. Studies show a 9% reduced risk of contracting COVID-19 and a significant 41% decrease in the likelihood of experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms. 

People are now also taking proactive steps to strengthen immunity and resilience. Foods and supplements with purported health benefits saw sales spikes such as elderberry, mushroom, and oregano. While the numbers are no longer the same compared to during the pandemic, the interest in maintaining a strong immune system and overall well-being continues to influence dietary choices and lifestyle changes. 

Holistic health approaches

People are now looking for even more ways to ensure their overall wellness. For instance, there’s now more appreciation in blending both traditional and contemporary medical practices, such as the use of essential oils for aromatherapy and the emergence of IV lounges for better absorption of vitamins

Customized wellness plans are now also in, especially with technological advancements. This approach ensures that lifestyle adjustments and health interventions are more effective, leading to better outcomes and enhanced well-being.

One more that is being focused on right now is the critical role of sleep in overall health. The market has seen a surge in products and practices designed to improve sleep quality.  

These holistic health approaches reflect a broader understanding that true wellness is multi-faceted, requiring attention to all aspects of health.

Future gazing: wellness trends for 2024 and beyond

As we look to the future, the wellness industry is poised for even more transformative growth. McKinsey's latest research into the wellness market reveals several key trends to anticipate, such as:

• Women’s health: There's a noticeable increase in the demand for women's health products, spanning menstrual care to menopause and pregnancy-related products. Digital tools are now also offering new ways to support women's health, from fertility tracking to personalized care.

• Healthy aging: Consumers across all age groups are showing interest in solutions that support longer, healthier lives. Products and services promoting healthy aging and longevity are also gaining more traction.

• Weight management: A significant portion of the US population is focused on weight loss which means more interest in effective weight management strategies, including exercise and prescription medication.

• In-person fitness: As the world further opens up, the emphasis on in-person fitness classes and personal training is returning. This trend highlights the importance of community when maintaining a fitness routine.

• Sexual health: Consumers are spending more on personal lubricants, contraceptives, and adult toys, indicating a more open and inclusive approach to sexual wellness.

Conclusion

It's clear that the wellness trends emerging today are setting the stage for the future. These changes underscore a broader consumer shift towards health strategies that are both effective and evidence-based. And as the market continues to transform, companies offering innovative, tailored wellness products and services are the ones who are poised for success. 

Therefore, in this dynamic environment, staying informed and flexible is crucial. Embracing these changes with an open and adaptive mindset will be key to navigating the future of wellness, ensuring that individuals and businesses alike can thrive in this new era of health consciousness.