Without a doubt, the pandemic crisis is the primary driver of health and wellness trends for 2021. And you don’t need to consult a crystal ball to know that the realities of this pandemic will affect the way we approach our health and wellness for years to come.

1. At-Home Fitness

With the pandemic forcing fitness centers to close down for much of the year, home fitness became one of the hottest trends in 2020. People discovered that working out at home is more comfortable than traveling to the gym, saving time and money. It’s anticipated that the trend will continue throughout 2021, with people dedicating part of their homes to personalized workout spaces.

2021 continues to see a trend in customized fully equipped home gyms with high-end workout equipment like stationary bikes, treadmills, and personal trainer workout mirrors.

Even if you don’t have space or finances to support adding a home gym, many health-conscious people will look to technology to bring world-class coaches and the gym experience into your home. Streaming fitness apps like Daily Burn or Apple Fitness+ and other online fitness classes provide motivation and instruction without needing to leave home.

2. Mental Health Is Key to Overall Health

According to a recent study, 53% of U.S. adults reported that the pandemic had negatively affected their mental health. Unemployment skyrocketing, shocking numbers of people getting sick and dying, and the pandemic’s uncertainty have led to an unprecedented number of people suffering from mental health issues.

Not only that, the lack of social interaction from workplaces, schools, and houses of worship closing has caused a loneliness epidemic. Chronic loneliness can trigger stress, depression, insomnia, and more.

Prioritizing mental health will become increasingly important in 2021. We’ll see more people practicing techniques that promote stress relief, such as yoga, meditation, prayer, and mindful walking.

One bright spot, the prevalence of mental health illness, may finally eliminate the stigma of seeking help. For many, this will be the year to identify emotional vulnerabilities and plan what’s needed to optimize emotional and physical health.

3. Big Year for Adaptogens

As stress continues to be a significant health concern throughout America, adaptogens will likely get even more popular and become mainstream.

Adaptogens help your body and mind deal with physical and emotional stressors and promote a greater sense of calm. They are a way to help you cope with life’s pressures before events trigger a racing heart or a panic attack. Some popular apoptogenic herbs are ashwagandha, Maca, Rhodiola, and holy basil.

Among the most researched adaptogens are medicinal mushrooms, specifically Lion’s Mane and Reishi. These mushrooms have been a mainstay in Eastern medicine for over 5,000 years.

Western medicine studies show medicinal mushrooms help regulate your adrenal glands’ function, which produces the primary stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Beyond a greater sense of calm, taking medicinal mushrooms daily may give you a boost in your mental clarity and energy.

Medicinal mushroom blends are growing in popularity for their ability to increase resiliency to anxiety, among other health benefits. Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Mushrooms is an expertly crafted blend of Reishi and Lion’s Mane, plus 3 other beneficial mushrooms – Chaga, Maitake, and Shiitake.

Use Dynamic Mushrooms as part of an overall healthy lifestyle and to boost your ability to adapt to physical and mental stressors, as well as supporting your immune system’s health.

4. Emphasizing Immune System Health

The pandemic has put a big spotlight on the immune system and ways to boost its disease-fighting ability. The immune system health focus will continue way beyond 2021.

Naturally, we’ll see a flood of scams, gimmicks, and misinformation on social media and the internet claiming to boost immunity. So, it’s critical to look for trusted sources of information you can rely on, like this blog.

Now, certain foods, along with a healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and exercise, can help optimize your immune system function.

Taking daily supplements that include proven ingredients like zinc, vitamin C, turmeric, L-glutamine, and probiotics. Herbal remedies such as echinacea, astragalus, and elderberry will also gain popularity.

An easy way to get the nutrition you need to optimize your immune system function is to take a blend that incorporates several proven ingredients like Stonehenge Health’s Dynamic Immunity. It’s formulated with vitamins C, E, B6, Zinc, L-Glutamine plus Elderberry, Echinacea, Turmeric, and Garlic at levels designed to support your overall immune system health.

Sources:
healthline.com/health/stress/smart-girls-guide-to-adaptogens
drbrighten.com/7-adaptogenic-herbs-heal-adrenals-naturally/
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19939212/
mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/mental-health-loneliness-and-disability
businesswire.com/news/home/20210202005236/en/Nearly-Half-of-American-Workers-Now-Suffer-from-Mental-Health-Issues-During-COVID-19
healthline.com/nutrition/fitness-trends#78.-Virtual-fitness