Last Updated on January 22, 2023 by Thalia
Researching and often debunking wellness trends has become one of my favourite past-times.
You could say it’s my self-care!
Because I think it helps to be somewhat aware of the wellness habits that do “work” and the ones that simply rely on manipulating marketing tactics disguised as health advice.
So I thought it would be helpful to outline the health and wellness trends I’m most excited about in 2023, and the ones to leave behind.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- Wellness trends to ditch in 2023
- Wellness trends to look out for in 2023
- Wellness habits to continue in 2023
- Final thoughts
Wellness trends to ditch in 2023
Before diving into the latest wellness trends set to dominate the industry in 2023, let’s first take a look at some toxic trends that might be worth leaving behind.
Striving to live a healthy life is becoming increasingly important for many people. And although the majority of wellness trends start out with good intentions to support you in reaching your goals, they can also have the opposite effect.
Some such trends which we can do without are as follows:
1 | ‘What I Eat In a Day’ videos
Not only can restrictive eating have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, but trying to copy someone else’s meal routine altogether is unrealistic as everybody is different.
Although the majority of “What I Eat in a Day” videos are being created with good intentions, 9 out of 10 times these “daily diet diaries” promote an unrealistic standard for healthy eating. In extreme cases, they also normalise unhealthy eating habits and an obsession with what to eat.
The WIEIAD trend first appeared on Youtube in the 2010s but has since been revived on TikTok. And a lot of these videos now provide nutritional guidance and persuade viewers to adopt a new dietary lifestyle.
And no matter how much the influencer or creator behind the video says “this is for inspiration only,” chances are someone who wants to lose weight will simply adopt this diet without researching the health benefits or risks first.
Which in turn, can lead to a string of physical and mental health problems.
So instead of looking at what your favourite influencer eats in a day, focus more on nourishing yourself with healthy food and finding an exercise regimen that works best for you.
“Dieting has become so normalised as a way of life, many of us don’t even realise we’re doing it.”
Dr Alexis Conason
2 | ‘That Girl’ and other unrealistic wellness routines
The wellness routines you see on social media that consist of early mornings, green juices, long skincare routines, taking supplements and cute athleisure aren’t the only way to optimum health.
There are plenty of other wellness habits to adopt which are not only simple but super affordable and sustainable
Because let me tell you, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellness.
Health is specific to the individual’s needs.
So let’s lay the ‘That Girl’ aesthetic to rest and focus on prioritising our own joy and needs instead.
3 | Self-diagnosing on TikTok
With the rise of wellness influencers on social media, there is now a lot of misinformation and one-size-fits-all advice being shared online. It can now be all too easy for people to put their faith in viral videos from “self-proclaimed doctors” who give alleged medical advice.
While everyone should take care of their health, getting medical advice from videos can be dangerous and damaging as the content may not be based on any plausible medical facts or evidence.
The only way to accurately diagnose a medical issue is by speaking with a medical professional and getting accurate tests done.
So let’s leave self-diagnosing behind and move towards using more trustworthy sources for information.
“Unqualified influencers posting misinformation far outnumber the experts debunking it, who are often harassed by other users for their efforts.”
Rina Raphael
Wellness trends to look out for in 2023
As the world continues to evolve, so does the health and wellness industry. Each new year brings a burst of new trends set to enhance our lifestyle choices and make it easier for us to reach our health goals.
And as we look toward 2023, there are a few key wellness trends that have already caught my eye.
So let’s take a deeper look into the wellness trends to look out for and embrace in 2023.
I encourage you to bookmark this page so you can refer back to it whenever you need to.
1 | Longevity
Whereas in the past, people have relied heavily on external treatments or approaches to maintain a youthful appearance, there is now a shift towards a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.
This approach involves taking a comprehensive look at our diet, lifestyle choices, physical activity, daily habits and the pillars of wellness as a whole.
Because after all, our bodily systems are all linked and what we choose to do in one area of our life has an impact on the other areas.
Strategies such as mindful eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and reducing stress can have a significant effect on our physical and mental health, and consequently, the way we look and feel.
Taking this holistic approach to physical and mental well-being can help people to stay younger and maintain a youthful appearance for longer.
It is an approach that emphasises preventative care, rather than reactive treatments.
2 | Wellness travel
Wellness travel is gaining big popularity in the travel industry as travellers seek out opportunities to de-stress and revitalize.
Wellness-based travel is not only beneficial for physical and mental health but also for spiritual health, emotional health and social health. It can provide a calming environment by allowing travellers to experience a different culture while also taking the time to nurture their own well-being.
Companies are also taking advantage of this trend by introducing unique wellness packages that include activities such as sound baths, recovery lounges and “preventative” spa stays.
For someone who spends the majority of their year travelling, I can affirm that my mental well-being and overall wellness are huge factors for me when abroad.
Before booking any accommodation, I make sure it either has access to a pool or is at least near the beach so I can swim each morning. I am also more inclined to stay at places which offer wellness classes like yoga or meditation and has a place that offers spa treatments nearby.
“Going on vacation used to be an excuse to leave our diet and workout routines at home. These days, we plan trips rooted in relaxation, but also self-improvement and wellbeing.”
Jen Murphy | Condé Nast Traveler
3 | Next-gen fitness wearables
Next-gen fitness wearables are set to revolutionise the way we stay healthy.
Rather than just tracking steps and heart rate, they will provide a comprehensive view of our health and how our exercise routine and lifestyle choices are impacting it.
By measuring metrics such as heart rate variability, stress levels, sleep quality, and hydration levels, users will be able to better understand how their habits impact their overall health.
These wearables are also equipped with tracking and coaching capabilities to ensure users maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. With the help of these advanced wearables, users can work towards achieving and maintaining their fitness goals.
So say hello to a more stylish and innovative way to nourish your health and well-being in 2023!
4 | Brain care
Just like we embraced self-care during 2020 thanks to the pandemic, 2023 is about to get its own “care” trend, and it’s called “brain care.”
Brain care is an important part of overall health, extending beyond the traditional notion of self-care.
Whereas self-care is any physical activity you do to nourish your overall well-being, brain care nurtures your mental and neurological health.
This means looking after your brain health so that you can focus better, solve problems more easily, and manage stress more effectively.
It involves activities that aim to reduce stress and provide mental stimulation such as reading, meditation and playing chess.
Brain care is also linked to mental health, and activities such as therapy, support groups, and mindfulness practices can help to foster a positive mindset and emotional stability.
Ensuring that your brain is healthy and well cared for is an important part of staying happy, healthy, and productive, not to mention it also increases longevity.
“Brain care encompasses all the mental, physical and social activities that promote healthy brain development as you age… Just like our muscles and other body parts, the brain can grow new cells and form new neural connections through repeated use and exercise.”
Dr. Bowen Jiang, M.D
5 | Sexual Wellness
Sexual wellness is a growing trend that is expected to continue to grow in popularity in 2023.
The focus on sexual wellness is to help individuals of all genders, orientations, and sexual experiences become more comfortable with their bodies and sexual choices.
There are many different forms of sexual wellness, including sex therapy, self-love, healthy communication, contraception and sex education.
You can also expect a huge shift towards destigmatizing “pleasure” and the sale of sex toys and other sexual wellness products in stores.
As technology advances, more apps and services have become available to help individuals explore their reproductive health. Additionally, more people are engaging in conversations about sexual wellness to openly discuss issues such as consent, body image, and pleasure.
With more information becoming available, people are able to make more informed decisions about their sexual health and wellness.
Wellness habits to continue in 2023
Just like I have broken away from the “norm” in my societal life, I have also broken away from the online standard of what wellness is and looks like. I choose to promote a “wellness” practice that is realistic, affordable and attainable.
An approach that is not one-size-fits-all but unique to the individual. Because I believe wellness can be anything you want it to be. It doesn’t need to look like drinking a matcha latte in the morning and practising yoga daily.
As long as your daily habits and lifestyle choices make you feel happier and healthier than they did the year before, then I think you are doing it right.
And the good news is, this all starts at home.
So in 2023, continue to embrace these 5 basic wellness principles to move towards a healthier, happier you…
- Get at least 7-hours of sleep
- Move your body daily
- Eat well-balanced meals
- Build healthy habits
- Dedicate time to self-care
Final thoughts
It’s important to remember that you don’t need to buy into the latest wellness trend, follow a bizarre health diet or spend a fortune on luxury products that promise to transform you into a better person.
Because the truth is, no influencer or wellness guru can tell you how to best live your life.
Only you know your body and your needs.
Only you know what serves you best.
And it’s up to you to figure out what is healthiest for you.
So if you do look to popular trends or health challenges to inspire your wellness journey then please be mindful of what you are choosing to consume. Don’t just copy others or follow a wellness trend because it seems most popular.
Do your own research first and always test it out before fully committing to it.
The key is to always do what works best for you, your needs and your health.
Until next week,
♡ Thalia xx
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