It goes without saying, 2020 was a year full of adapting to changes and accepting new norms. More than ever, people across the globe are prioritizing their mental, emotional and physical health. That’s great news and perhaps the silver lining after such a difficult year.
It looks like in 2021, we’ll see some amazing health trends emerging with a special emphasis on our overall well-being.
Here are a few of what I predict will be the health and wellness trends for 2021:
1. Emphasizing Immune System Health
Have you supplemented with vitamin C, zinc or elderberry recently? If so, you’re not alone! A continued emphasis on boosting our immune system health is sure to be one of the major health trends of 2021. Not only will people continue to supplement with immune-boosting supplements, but herbs will gain even more popularity. This includes echinacea, astragalus and elderberry. Plus, nourishing bone broths will continue to be used in home cooking.
2. Fermented Everything
Paying attention to our gut health isn’t new, but with more research indicating the connection between gut health and immunity, people are showing a lot more interest these days. Plus, gut health impacts your brain, digestion and more.
That’s exactly why in 2021, you’re likely to see an uptick in probiotic use, fermented foods and fermented drinks. Fermented everything! If sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha aren’t staples in your refrigerator yet, they may be in the coming months. And for good reason — fermented foods strengthen our immune systems, enhance nutrient absorption and support digestive health.
3. At-Home and Outdoor Fitness
I’m sure there will be a continual rise in outdoor exercise and online fitness classes. For people working remotely, this is a great way to keep up with your workout routine during the day. And with restrictions at the gyms in recent months, at-home workouts have become even more popular.
At-home exercise equipment has also gained a ton of attention, with brands like Peloton and Mirror reaching record sales. The equipment and instructional service is allowing people to engage in physical activity even when staying home.
4. Prioritizing Mental Health
There’s attention being put on more than only taking care of our physical bodies; we’re taking care of our minds, too. Research has already shown that in the last year, there’s been an increase in the risk of mental health problems. Lifestyle changes that promote mental health will be important in 2021. This includes meditation, prayer, mindful exercises like yoga, walks outdoors and more.
5. Plant-Based Eating
You don’t have to be a vegetarian or vegan to experience a more plant-based diet. The Flexitarian Diet is a style of eating that encourages mostly plant-based foods while allowing meat and other animal products in moderation. It’s more flexible than fully vegetarian or vegan diets.
6. Daily Home Cooking
As many of us spend more time at home, good ol’ home-cooking has become part of our daily routine. There’s really nothing better than gathering in the kitchen to cook a healthy, comforting meal. Or maybe cooking will be an opportunity for quiet time during the day. Either way, cooking at home keeps you in control of your ingredients and is usually a much healthier option than dining out.
7. Adaptogens Take Off
As chronic stress becomes a major health concern throughout the country, and beyond, adaptogenic herbs are very likely to be household names. And they should be! These herbs help to control cortisol levels and help the body deal with stress.
Adaptogens are found in many forms these days, and they’re likely to get even more popular or mainstream. You can find them in supplements, tinctures, teas, seltzers and juices. Some of the most common are ginseng, ashwagandha, holy basil and rhodiola.
8. Home-Grown Herbs and Veggies
I know I spent more time in my garden this past summer. And I predict that 2021 will be a year of even more veggie and herb gardens. Not only does this call for more time outdoors, getting in touch with nature and exposing yourself to healthy bacteria, but you can grow your own food, too!
9. Toxic-Free Cleaners
This is one of the health predictions that has continued to rise in recent years. People are becoming more conscious of the products they use in their homes and the potential dangers from chemical cleansers. We want our home to be the safest place on Earth, so check out these green cleansers, my favorites!
10. Healing in Nature
Getting outdoors is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to promote overall wellness. It’s uplifting, calming and has shown to positively impact your mental health. And we need this separation from stimulating environments, like being on our computers all day, that cause brain fatigue.
Getting more time outdoors is sure to be one of the top health predictions of 2021 because we are all looking for healthy outlets.
11. Comfort at Home
You may have noticed a trend by now — people are spending more time at home these days. That means that many are putting more effort into organizing their homes and creating a comforting, pleasant space for both work, play and relaxation.
This can mean changing paint colors to more soothing options, like blues and greens, decluttering your home and minimizing the amount of ‘stuff’ that you have. Creating a ‘safe space’ will help to keep your mind at ease when spending time at home. And…. it feels really good too!