8 Wellness Trends to Try in 2023
The fact is that there are near endless practices you can use to boost your wellbeing and feel your very best. But next year, there are a few stand-out strategies that are set to explode in the wellness world—and knowing what’s ahead can help you get a jumpstart on a healthy new routine.
Here are the top 8 wellness trends for 2023, according to leading experts.
Exercise Recovery
“Over the next year and beyond, we expect to see a huge emphasis on exercise recovery. This crucial area of wellness started gaining traction this year with the rise of recovery tools like massage therapy guns and air compression boots. Recovery will now be a major focus for gyms and wellness clubs as they seek out unique ways to expand amenities and try to get consumers back into brick-and-mortar fitness. 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,” said Scott Lutwak, founder and CEO of Fit Athletic Club in San Diego.
Spiritual Wellbeing
“I believe a huge and impactful wellness trend for 2023 is spiritual wellbeing, a term that refers to a person's sense of connection to something larger than themselves, such as a higher power, a set of spiritual beliefs, or a sense of meaning and purpose in life. This aspect of wellbeing is often associated with feelings of peace, contentment, and inner harmony, and it can play an important role in overall health and wellness. In the past, spiritual wellbeing was relegated mostly to formal organizations, such as religions, but it can also be achieved through one’s own practice. Some techniques include meditation, breathwork, a gratitude practice, or martial arts,” said Jenelle Kim, doctor of Chinese medicine and author of “Myung Sung: The Korean Art of Living Meditation.”
Biotech Wellness Tools
“I believe we are going to have more at-home access to blood testing and other assessments that in the past we could only get at doctor’s appointments, and we will be able to directly connect to apps and digital platforms for quicker, more efficient results. I also predict we will see more wellness and beauty tech products come out on the market. Red light therapy devices, microcurrent facial tools, and lasers that people can use at home themselves will be big. Biotech skincare will make waves as a wellness trend in 2023,” said Alexandria Gilleo, wellness expert, celebrity makeup artist, and founder of My Zen Den in Beacon, N.Y.
Micro Workouts
“Micro workouts are on the rise, evident in the rise of quick, one-minute dances and fitness challenges you find on TikTok. Removing the time barrier to exercise is a major factor in the growing popularity of this wellness trend. This bite-size, low-intensity format makes it easier to squeeze movement into more moments throughout the day. It might include a morning dance with your favorite influencer, a quick set of push-ups and squats before lunch, and an evening yoga session to help you wind down and de-stress. These short takes on fitness add up to big results, and are a delightful and fun way to get moving,” said Adrian Richardson, senior content strategist for Fitbit at Google, personal trainer, and strength and conditioning coach.
Mouth Taping
“One health and wellness trend that will continue to grow in 2023 is mouth taping. Yes, I’m talking about taping your mouth shut at night! Mouth taping may be one of the weirdest health hacks out there, but it’s become an increasingly popular trend among wellness enthusiasts. It forces you to breathe out of your nose at night, which may provide health benefits, such as humidifying the nasal passages. It’s certainly not for everyone though, so be sure to speak with your doctor,” said Catherine Cabano, CEO and founder of In On Around, a holistic health consultancy.
Sleep Syncing
“Sleep syncing is a wellness trend that is gaining popularity. This involves adjusting your sleep cycle to the rhythms of nature (like the sun or moon) and tuning it with your circadian rhythm. Some studies have shown that sleep syncing can help people fall asleep quicker, as well as reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which are often associated with poor sleep patterns. You can start sleep syncing by setting up a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This helps put your body on a regular sleep cycle so that it becomes more used to waking up and going to sleep at certain times. You may also use apps and devices to help you track your sleep, monitor your sleep patterns, and provide feedback to make improvements,” said Katherine Hall, PhD, sleep psychologist at Somnus Therapy.
Full-day Spa Visits
“A wellness trend we’re seeing at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort’s St. Somewhere Spa is that guests are using the spa facilities and getting treatments for a full-day experience, rather than just coming in for a massage. This reflects the growing importance of self-care and wellness among the younger generation. We’re seeing more frequent requests for add-on spa enhancements, like a facial mask or wax service on top of a 50-minute massage to make an entire day out of their visit. Guests are enjoying longer visits to the spa than ever before,” said Erin Downey Stremcha, director of marketing at Trilogy Spa Holdings, which consult with the St. Somewhere Spa.
Mushroom Mania
“The heightened awareness of the power of mushrooms will turn more consumers on to seeking ways to increase their mushroom intake for wellness next year, beyond ordering shiitake on a pizza. Functional mushrooms have high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that support aspects of health, like sleep, memory, and immunity. This includes turkey tail mushroom, which has been researched for its protein-bound polysaccharides that stimulate the immune system. Some other functional mushrooms to be on the lookout for are lion’s mane for focus and memory, reishi for stress reduction, chaga to reduce inflammation, and cordyceps to increase energy levels,” said Jenna Stangland, MS, co-founder of A4 Health and team dietitian for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Wild.