8 big wellbeing trends and predictions for 2023
From nurturing our mental health to cross-country swimming, the biggest wellbeing trends for 2023 have been revealed. All aspects of 'wellness' have had a shake-up over the past two years — from where we exercise to what we eat — but if one lesson has been learned, it's the importance of taking good care of ourselves.
As 2022 comes to an end, use it as an opportunity to reflect and plan for the year ahead. If you haven't finalised your goals for 2023, let these wellbeing trends help shape your habits and attitudes.
1. Sensehacking
Sensehacking — a big wellbeing trend for 2023 — highlights the crucial role that senses play in our everyday lives. Our senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste) can change how we feel almost instantly, so this trend is all about becoming happier and more productive by 'hacking' our senses.
But what does it mean? "Sensehacking has got to be one of the most exciting new wellbeing trends for 2023," Jasmine Eskenzi, founder of wellbeing and productivity app The Zensory, tells Country Living.
"Simply put, sensehacking means using the power of our senses to improve our mood. As we head into a time of economic turmoil, any way to boost your mood easily and cheaply will surely be welcomed by all. Once you learn to sensehack effectively, you can do it anywhere, at any time."
Feeling unproductive or sleep deprived? According to the experts, sensehacking is said to help improve your cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Easy ways to boost the senses at home include using diffusers, candles, wax melts or pillow sprays, and using colour psychology to make our environment spark creativity, positivity and boost our mental health.
2. Sleep syncing
As the wellness sector continues to boom in a post-Covid world, Holland & Barrett predicts 'sleep syncing' will be big next year. In 2023, Brits are expected to take sleep seriously by using smart tech to sync circadian routines, carefully timing biological clocks for regular daylight and dark exposure.
New research by the healthcare brand found that two in three people have had poor quality sleep in the last six months, while Holland & Barrett have also seen a 9.5% growth in sales of their sleep and calm ranges between 2021 and 2022.
The experts tell us: "As the quest for a better night's sleep continues, we'll see circadian eating – switching from heavy evening meals to afternoon 'light' eating – grow in popularity. New sleep aid ingredients on the block such as Glycine will join bedtime favourites. As we aim to avoid 'lightmares' the big tech switch-off before bed will go mainstream."
3. Cross-country swimming
Cross-country swimming is a brilliant trend to dive into next year. Perfect for adventure seekers, it's a unique form of exploring that combines hiking, camping and numerous cold-water paddles along a coastal route – all whilst towing your gear with you.
With wild swimming increasing by over 300% over the last few years, the team at AboveBelow predict cross country swimming will be big in the world of wellbeing and wellness. Why not take the plunge?
"Every trip, big or small, feels like an adventure and we've seen people take on multi-day expeditions towing their camping gear with them in a RuckRaft, right through to families spending the afternoon discovering hidden coves with a picnic," Will Watt, co-founder of Above Below, tell us.
"The past few years have seen a huge rise in wild swimming and with the cost of living on the rise, cross country swimming is an accessible way to explore nature, do something a bit different and experience that buzz from wild swimming and the great outdoors."
4. Wellness travel
Wellness travel is all about recharging the body and relaxing the mind. Sometimes known as wellness tourism, these trips and travel experiences focus on mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. According to a recent Accenture study, 39% of consumers have already booked a wellness retreat for 2023, with more people looking for holidays that include yoga, sound healing, breathwork, and various workshops.
"After a pause on travel during the pandemic, many are now wanting to make the most of being able to travel. Combined with an increase awareness in our own health, many have vowed to take wellness-driven expeditions to renew their mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing," luxury retreats company, Wylder, say.
5. Skychology
Skychology – the psychology of looking up at the sky – was coined by positive psychology coach Paul Conway. Set to be a big trend for 2023, research has found that the simple act of looking up at can be a highly effective form of emotional self-regulation, help to calm anxious nerves, and enhance mindfulness and feeling present in the moment. If you're looking to adopt healthier habits in 2023, give this one a go.
Paul explains on his website that character strengths – humour, humility, social intelligence, honesty and kindness – are the cornerstones of positive psychology. Its aim is to "develop a more optimistic attitude that will enhance, rather than disrupt one’s social, professional, and spiritual life," according to Psychology Today.
Paul began looking further into the practice of skychology during his masters degree, after finding it was a form of escape. It helped him to "feel better" as a child, as he grew up surrounded by alcohol, gambling and drug addiction.
"I also wanted to create an easy-to-use wellbeing activity people could benefit from use 24/7 wherever they are in the world."
6. Plants to combat SAD
Plants have long been praised for their all-around uplifting powers. There might be an array of methods to tackle SAD symptoms, including light therapy and SAD lamps, but plants within the home can also provide a welcome stress relief — and help our wellbeing.
"Plant care is intrinsically linked to self-care, seeing a plant flourish and grow from our care is an extension of caring for ourselves," explains Dani Turner, from online florist Bunches.
"We recommend replicating a connection to nature by filling your home with green plants, flowers, and dried flowers, and also letting the daylight in as much as possible by keeping curtains open during the day and letting the light flood your home – your plants will also benefit from receiving as much sunshine as possible."
According to research conducted by Bunches, houseplant ownership is an excellent way to help your mental health, and has been proven to lower anxiety levels, boost memory, and even increase productivity. Dani adds: "Not only can they help to diminish stress levels, but they also act as a reminder to look after ourselves, just as we look after them."
7. Biophilic design
Biophilic design is about incorporating nature with design. Although the concept of biophilia has been used for decades in architecture and design, the experts say it will continue to make moves in 2023.
You don't need to be surrounded by open landscapes to embrace this trend. Key ways to add it into your home include making the most of available natural light by keeping windows clear and clean, adding greenery in pots, and using sustainably sourced organic materials such as wood, cork, wool, leather and stone.
"It's no secret that introducing biophilic features into the home improves wellbeing, and when it comes to the office they can also help with increasing our attention span by grounding us," Joanne Evans from Homescapes, tells us. "But those who don't have time to take care of real plants may benefit from an artificial design that has all the same benefits visually, and will add style instantly."
8. Mood-boosting bathroom design
Planning a bathroom redesign in 2023? While there are lots of little things that can make our bathrooms feel more hotel-worthy (diffusers, fluffy towels, fresh flowers), next year is all about ensuring it's as uplifting as can be.
Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design, explains: "A bathroom isn't only a necessity in a home, but a wellness space to wake up in the morning or relax and rejuvenate in the evenings. In 2023, we will see an increase in bathrooms as wellness spaces in themselves, where homeowners can enjoy some true R&R.
"The new year will welcome the luxuries and amenities of hotel suites and spas into the comfort of our own homes, ranging from double-vanity units and luxurious wallpapers, to striking light fittings and swoon-worthy tiles."
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