Do you ever wonder what the health and wellness trends are?
There will continue to be an increase in anxiety and depression in the aftermath of the pandemic. The Journal of Affective Disorders states that “growing rates of anxiety and depression are tied to many issues. Poor work-life balance, social isolation, unhealthy eating, a sedentary lifestyle, chronic disease, sleep deprivation, and social media are among the top issues.”
As a therapist, I love researching the new health and wellness trends, whether that is physical wellness or mental and emotional health.
I did some research on the trends for 2023.
Here they are:
- Getting outside and going on nature retreats is a focus this year. A growing body of evidence suggests that “ecotherapy,” or the practice of participating in activities in wilderness and nature has a range of mental health benefits.” Alisha Gupta reported.
2. Digital detoxes are a thing of the future. More and more people are putting boundaries on their social media use and their children’s use of screens. Lexy Parsons states, “consider taking a break on a regular basis. This could be signing off for the weekend, going tech-free at a certain time every night, or doing a long-duration log-off every now and then.”
3. Sober curiosity is big this year. Mindful drinking is the new black. Yummy mocktails are on trend and available. Many restaurants are offering a nonalcoholic section, offering spritzers, juices, and bubbly beverages with healthy herbs that help with stress. This is great for anyone who is not drinking or for those who are trying dry January or rethinking their relationship with alcohol. Hey, you can still make that exercise class on Sunday morning without the hangover.
4. Micro workouts or exercise snacking is becoming a way to squeeze workouts into the day. For some, it can be more sustainable to do ten minutes of walking before lunch and 15 minutes of yoga and push-ups before bed. According to Lexy Parsons, “this 2023 fitness trend is simply a fancy way of saying prioritizing daily exercise by breaking up your workouts into increments throughout the day.”
5. There will be a huge emphasis on exercise recovery. “Gyms will likely begin looking at investing in recovery tools not available for personal, in-home use, such as infrared saunas, cryotherapy chambers, and cold tubs,” reported Scott Lutwak of Fit Athletic Clubs
6. Online healthcare will continue to grow and evolve. According to consumer reports, “62 % of healthcare consumers prefer telehealth.” Online Healthcare care consults and virtual therapy appear to be permanent. This is great news for busy parents and employees. This makes healthcare convenient and accessible. Yes, in-person therapy is back for those who prefer it, but online therapy is continuing to remove barriers. Mental health is becoming a topic at the dinner table. More people are stepping out for therapy and singing their kids up for therapy as a way to be proactive.
7. Wearable wellness technology is a trend of 2023. Watches, bands and other wellness technology help to motivate people and help them to stay on track with their fitness goals. Wellness technology can also be sent to doctors or medical professionals.
8. Mobility training is a trend in 2023. According to Clinton Lee, “Mobility training is working to improve your ability to safely move a muscle or muscle group through a range of motion within a joint. And it’s about so much more than just being flexible. Developing your mobility helps improve functional movement, prevent injuries, reduce pain, and more.”
9. Low-intensity workouts are on the rise. Lots of people are adding yoga, Pilates, and stretching to their routines. Stretching, breathwork, Yoga, and Pilates are being added to routines. Liz Wexler reports “2022 was all about the hustle and grind, 2023 will focus on slowing down long enough to truly recover between workouts.”
10. Employers are acknowledging the importance of mental health and wellness in the workplace. “According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, employees at companies that support wellness feel 53 % more motivated than employees without that benefit.” Corporate wellness is becoming more prevalent as companies are realizing the value of mental health. Employers are paying for digital mental health apps or offering peer support for workers.
The Takeaway:
Mental Health is becoming incorporated into our everyday life. There is a greater understanding that our minds and bodies are connected and thus we need to take care of both in order to be balanced. Get out in nature, take phone breaks, stretch more, have a mocktail (yes, even in NOLA), jump in a sauna, and remember to focus on allowing your body and your mind to recover.
