Wellness trends we’ll be buzzing about in 2023
As Aussies increasingly make their health and wellbeing a priority, here are the wellness trends we’ll be seeing more of in 2023.
Following two years of pandemic-related stress and a strain on mental health, experts from across Australia are expecting a new wave of self-care, mindfulness and focus on healthier lifestyles.
Australia’s largest provider of natural medicine education, Endeavour College compiled a list of the wellness trends they expect to enter the common parlance in 2023.
Wellness trends predicted for 2023
Mind eating
Say goodbye to crash diets and fads – effective weight loss begins with the mind.
“By changing our food environment to make healthy food the easy choice … we can pave the way for sustainable results and a healthy mind and body,” mental health instructor and nutritionist Lexi Crouch says.
Yăng shēng
You’ve heard of hygge, but what about yăng shēng?
Yăng shēng is the ancient Chinese practice of finding balance, consistency and flexibility.
“It’s all about eating well, getting lots of rest, moving your body, doing mind-body exercises,” Endeavour College Chinese Medicine lecturer Caitlin Armit says.
She recommends trying meditation and breath work, and “getting in touch with inner feelings” for your wellbeing and overall health.
Chronobiology
This trend is all about time.
Specifically, it’s about putting as much time in between meals as possible for a healthier lifestyle.
“Try leaving at least three hours in between dinner and going to bed for optimal digestive health,” nutritionist Sophie Scott says.
This also applies to jet setters, who are more likely to put on weight due to unbalanced time zones and sleeping patterns, according to mounting studies.
Self-care study
The pandemic has prompted Aussies to understand their body better, according to natural health instructor Marianne Zander.
“This has led to a surge in people wanting to learn more about their health purely for health’s sake,” Marianne says.
An Endeavour College survey found 61 per cent of Australians are interested in learning more about health to care for themselves and others, while the College has seen an uptick in enrolments for short courses on nutrition, gut health, and food psychology.
Greenwashing
In an effort to become more eco-conscious, Aussies are urged to be aware of greenwashing – AKA eco-friendly buzzwords on products that are actually harmful to the planet.
To help understand how genuinely green a product is, Sophie suggests looking for symbols from reliable sources such as Energy Star Ratings, B Corp Certification, GECA, Fair Trade International and ACO.
- Green-sheen: Is greenwashing thwarting your eco-efforts?
Cycle syncing
Women undergo four stages of the menstrual cycle each month.
“Cycle syncing offers the chance to tap into these changes to get the right support throughout each cycle,” natural health instructor, nutritionist and women’s health specialist Ruth Sladek explains.
This includes determining the best foods to eat, when to exercise and starting new projects based on hormonal changes.
Mental CPR
New Years’ resolutions are shifting away from physical improvement and focusing on mental health, according to mental health nurse Max Hacker.
“Expect mental health courses to become as common as CPR or First Aid training to give us all a better understanding of mental health issues and pave the way for better support, at home and in the workplace,” Max says.
Nutrition psychiatry
Eating healthy can help reduce your waistline, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing.
Cutting out sugar-laden and heavily-processed foods can help improve and regulate your mood.
“They say you are what you eat, and new research is increasingly showing that what we eat affects how we feel,” Sophie says.
Wellness at work
The pandemic has helped Aussies realise the importance of a healthy workplace. Workplaces are starting to introduce wellness programs, such as yoga and meditation.
Which is a welcome development according to Soul Alive founder Luke McLeod who says it’s time we all started taking self-care seriously.
“Whether that be a 10-minute meditation, nature walk, or breathing exercise,” Luke says.
Plant-based power
In general, Australians are lacking their daily intake of vegetables, according to nutritionist Alex Thomas.
“(People) are looking for something that’s healthy,” Alex says.
People are increasingly turning to plant-based diets as they promote good health for people and the environment.
Hyper-realistic plant-based foods like vrimp (‘shrimp’ made from peas and seaweed), oat and soy milk and other animal alternatives are driving the trend forward.
- Plant curious: How to find a plant-based diet to suit you
Stillness meditation
Taking out a few minutes to be still can be wonderful for the brain, says naturopath lecturer Tracy Gaibisso.
Close your eyes and zone out for a little while you sit at your desk or wait for the kettle to boil.
“This trend is about slowing the busy mind and connecting deeply with ourselves and with the stillness within that is our true nature, making it the perfect antidote for stress and anxiety,” Tracy says.
Eco parenting
In a time of economic and environmental challenges, parents are starting to teach their kids about “modern survival skills,” Endeavour academic and eco-parent Sue Sharpe says.
This includes encouraging using public transportation, consuming less and joining a toy library.
Written by Alexandra Feiam.
