13 Health Predictions and Wellness Trends for 2021

It goes without saying, 2020 has been a year full adapting to changes and accepting new norms. It has had a major impact on the health and wellness space, with more and more people interested in taking care of their bodies and minds. My health predictions for 2021 reflect the special emphasis we’ve put on our overall well-being, and for good reason.

Now 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. So this coming year is sure to involve immune-boosting supplements, at-home workouts, more time outdoors and more.

Here’s 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 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, andrographis and elderberry. Plus, nourishing bone broths will continue to be used in home cooking.

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2. Fermented Everything

Paying attention to our gut health isn’t new, but with more research showing 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

This year, I predict 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.

Related: How to Work Out During A Pandemic

4. Prioritizing Mental Health

There’s a growing emphasis on mental health and not only taking care of our physical bodies, but 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.

This year is the perfect time to identify vulnerabilities and make a plan to customized plan to address what you need most for optimal mental, emotional and physical health. One helpful way to do this is pinpointing your element in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as wood, fire, earth, metal or water. This will help you to address what your body needs most.

In fact, I wrote a book in 2020 called Ancient Remedies (to be released February 2, 2021) that covers such a customized plan. I discuss how our bodies have a superpower: Namely, its ability to heal itself. Ancient healing is effective because it treats the two most common underlying causes of poor health: toxicity and deficiencies.

5. Understanding Financial Health

This year has token a financial toll on so many Americans, so it makes sense that understanding and emphasizing financial health will be a major trend or practice in 2021.

There are a lot of pieces in understanding your financial health, including having a clear budget, knowing how much you’re putting away for retirement, and working towards your savings. Putting all of the pieces together may be difficult, but there are professionals who can help you get on the right track if you need some help.

6. A Bigger Year for CBD

The CBD industry has had its ups and downs since 2019. But I believe as part of this year’s health predictions, we’ll see good quality CBD products even more widespread. Plus, the range of products will widen, with the hemp plant and its beneficial compounds being used in foods and beverages, skincare and beyond.

7. Flexitarianism Uptick

Instead of clear-cut rules of the vegetarian or vegan diets, the flexitarian way of eating is, well, flexible. It’s mostly plant-based, but doesn’t require a full-time meat-free commitment. Many people want to reduce their meat intake, but they still want to enjoy a meal containing meat or fish once in a while. This is what makes flexitarianism so appealing.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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10. Home-Grown Herbs and Veggies

Have you been spending more time in your garden in the last few months? 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!

11. 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.

Plus, DIY home cleansers and even skincare products have gained popularity. So many people have the ingredients they need in their homes already, like baking soda, vinegar and essential oils.

12. Healing in Nature

Getting outdoors is one of the easiest and more beneficial things you can do to promote overall wellness. It’s uplifting, calming and has shown to positively impact your mental health. Studies show that exposure to natural environments is associated with mental health benefits and is an excellent separation from stimulating environments 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.

13. 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.