What the Future Holds for Wellness

COVID-19 has accelerated trends that were already in place, raising awareness of the many dimensions of wellness that have been changing people´s priorities. The pandemic will pass, but the world will never be the same. The virus has been teaching us how vulnerable life can be, and more than ever, important areas that have somehow been ignored, such as mental and emotional well-being will be the biggest trends in the near future. This disruption of day-to-day life has impacted how we live. Everybody is trying to adjust to a post-pandemic world, prioritizing meaningful relationships, happiness, spirituality and healthy practices.

What is Wellness and why is It Important?

Especially now, the pandemic seems to raise the public awareness of the many dimensions of wellness. But what does it mean and why is it so important? Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits, making choices toward a fulfilling life on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental outcomes and having a lifestyle that leads to a state of holistic health and wellbeing. When body, mind and spirit are integrated, it positively affects our emotions and actions, and it impacts our physical health. That is why it is crucial to control our stress and bad habits to help us live a higher quality life with purpose.

What we can see happening now is people are redefining wellness, adding behaviors related to sustainability and the environment, to intellectual, emotional and financial health as important goals to activate to live more fully within nature and our communities.

During this social distancing era, virtual health and fitness practices are growing, creating new behaviors where wellness will be permanently altered. Telemedicine, digital therapy, and at-home fitness are here to stay. Furthermore, customers are starting to search for more brands that make fitness and health more accessible, creating a big impactin redefining the wellness culture. Additionally, people and communities are becoming more connected and supportive of each other, becoming more aware of the relationship between consumer and supplier as well as the relationships created by where we live and what we eat. These patterns will help accelerate demands for sustainable practices in a connected world.

Home as a New Sanctuary

New habits have been incorporated and our homes became our remote office, virtual learning school, a place to exercise, to socialize and more. All under the same roof. Houses are now a wellness hub with new routines, reflecting consumers’ interest in Zen spaces with yoga mats, candles, diffusers, stones, indoor plants and sustainable design.Interest in digital fitness, workouts and meditation, and videos and apps are increasing. Gardening, workouts, meditating in the backyard, cooking at home, baking breads and trying new recipes are part of the new routine for many folks worldwide. Being in a lockdown for months and restricting us from broad personal interactions in many cases helped to connect families leading to more quality time together.

Wellness Destinations

People are so ready to be out again. Wellness vacations, including holistic hotels, spas and personalized experiences, are more likely to become the hottest destinations.

A World Tourism Association´s survey revealed that over 24% of travelers would be “extremely likely to book a wellness vacation within the next two years, and 78% said they already include wellness-specific activities to their itineraries when travelling. This shows how hotel business is shaping up, getting ready to provide unique customer experiences to start attracting new wellness-focused travelers. This will also be a great opportunity to help provide a boost to the tourism sector which was decimated by the pandemic.

‘Wellness’ into the Guest Room

Amenities like fitness rooms, spas and beauty treatments will be appreciated more than ever. Demand will also increase for a wellness program that can be provided in guest rooms for an ultimate experience. Amenities like designated workout areas with stationary bike, yoga mats, halteres, will be paired virtual yoga classes and personal fitness workouts via the hotel TV, meditation apps, in-room massages and treatments, special products and other personalized pampering that can be requested by the guest before their arrival. Some hotels are also starting to offer touchless wellness services and telemedicine consultations to deliver a great experience to guests who may be more comfortable continuing their social distancing.

Just for ME

Bring some changes to your routine… How about paying more attention to your soul and health? Have you ever thought about trying different things to improve your mood and mental wellness like relaxing massages, aroma or salt therapy, and beauty treatments for your “me time”? Here are some wellness ideas:

Aromatherapy — It helps to calm the mind and reduce stress. The different essential oils help boost the nervous system and increase relaxation. For instance, lavender essence is good for relaxation, rose calms the mind, cinnamon relieve fatigue, and jasmine helps elevate the mood. You can create a more relaxing home environment with scented candles and essential oils to energize your mood.

Salt Caves — Salt therapy dates back to the medieval era. This alternative treatment involves breathing salty air that has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, and more than 80 minerals and nutrients. Is can help improve respiratory conditions and ease the symptoms of asthma, allergies, chronic bronchitis and inflammation. It also helps relieve tension, anxiety and depression.

A salt cave has walls compromised of sea salt bricks and floors made up of looser salt (like a grainy sand beach) and includes a machine that blows tiny particles of salt into the air.

Forest Therapy – It is a growing Japanese practice that promises a “forest bathing” by immersing people in the atmosphere of the forest with its sounds and smells for a deep relaxation and connection with nature to relieve stress and enhance well-being. The practice consists of walking through the forest, inhaling fresh air and fostering an emotional connection with the landscape.

Back to the Basics

 A holistic and spiritual way of living can recharge your mind, body, and soul. There are some inexpensive and easy ways for you to apply basic practices to your daily routine to help enhance the wellness experience:

• Stay centered and healthy by creating daily rituals.
• Eat well. Healthy eating helps boost your immunity system. Avoid fats and sugar and remember to drink lots of water during the day.
• Redefine your sleep habits. Get a good night’s rest. It helps your body to repair and get fit!
• Morning meditation. Avoid checking your phone after waking up. Practice some mindfulness and gratitude thoughts instead.
• Close your eyes and take a few minutes to focus on your breathing to help relieve any anxiety.
• Get some fresh air. Go for a walk! Let your body absorb natural vitamin D with the morning sun. Check the blue sky and the blossoming trees. Listen to the birds and take notice of the beautiful nature around you.
• Walk, jog, bike or just stretch. Small movements can bring you mental and physical benefits. Find ways to let the happiness in, so the anxiety and stress can be pushed out.

Back to the basics can help increase your self-care routine and improve your well-being. Find simple joy in your everyday life. Let spirituality, happiness and wellness be part of your journey in these “new normal” days.