Pursuing activities that nourish our minds and bodies will definitely be continuing in 2017. While some shifts are building on older trends, such as Athleisure aesthetic, others like medicinal mushroom supplements are entirely new. The heart of these trends, whether old or new, is all about reducing stress and cutting through anxieties to better concentrate on our overall health.
1. Wellness Retreats. Why go on vacation only to undo all your healthy hard work with a few too many margaritas? This is the theory behind the explosion of yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats popping up in all the most beautiful places around the world. Because people are eating cleaner, exercising more and catering to the health of their mind and body; they are also looking to extend their new healthy lifestyle into their vacations and leisure time.
2. Athleisure Moves into the Office. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “Athleisure refers to casual clothing — like yoga pants, sweat pants, and hoodies — that are designed to be worn both for exercising and for doing (almost) everything else.” Now, the flood of athleisure companies on the market are pushing stretchy, washable, and wrinkle proof fabrics formerly restricted to the gym into the office.
3 Fringe Wellness becomes Mainstream. In the past decade, wellness has been taking a strong turn towards reducing stress and focusing on more holistic approaches that weave a variety of methods together. The shift towards more alternative therapies such as crystal ceremonies and sound bath meditation sessions are just some of the ways people will be trying to address increasing levels of stress and anxiety in our busy world.
4 Sobriety Goes Mainstream. This year is going to be all about sobriety to better focus on overall wellness. Since cutting sugars and carbs from our diet is commonplace these days, why not take it a step further and cut out booze? In New York and Los Angeles, there are already more events, dinners, and parties, which are alcohol free and this will surely spread.
5 Medicinal Mushrooms. No, this doesn’t mean magical mushrooms; 2017 is going to be talking about medicinal mushrooms. Long cherished in traditional Chinese medicines, medicinal mushrooms are gaining popularity. Chaga, reishi, Turkey tail and lion’s mane are becoming popular additives and supplements. Why are mushrooms suddenly gaining popularity? Partially this is because new research is finding out just how powerful they can be. There are incredible studies coming out showing results from fighting cancer, balancing blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
6 Kava Kava. As people move away from alcohol in 2017, a new social lubricator is taking its place. Kava root originates in the South Pacific and is still an important social ritual in many traditional cultures. The root powder is made into a beverage, and promotes mild feelings of euphoria, relaxation and happiness.
Because Kava’s effects are mild, and the hangover non-existent, it fits with the other trends in 2017 of move more towards an overall healthier lifestyle. It also is a good social lubricator and stress reliever, another plus when we consider the new trends moving towards less alcohol and more sobriety.