Every year, new wellness trends emerge while others fade away. You might have asked yourself an intriguing question: What’s next? And for good reason, you might have just had enough hearing about the ring that you can wear, that tracks your sleep, or if you should increase your intake of fibre by following the juicing trend.
Granted, you are not to blame; after all, as human beings, we want to take care of our health to the best of our ability. That’s why wellness trends appear in the first place. Surprisingly, this year has seen the emergence of newer trends. Let’s take a look at some interesting and wacky trends that are bound to entice you, apart from the ones you already know about.
Ice Baths and Cryotherapy
Cold water plunges are gaining increasing popularity; they are often touted for their physical and mental health benefits. Studies suggest that immersing yourself in cold water allows the release of stress hormones, such as noradrenaline and cortisol, which have a powerful effect on regulating mood. Many athletes and wellness enthusiasts are embracing this trend since the cold has a powerful effect on reducing muscle soreness, inflammation, and potentially speeding up recovery from injury.
Pilates
Increasingly, Pilates is gaining momentum, not only as a form of exercise, but also as a lifestyle. At their core, these exercises focus on strength, improved posture, flexibility, and alignment. Considered one of the most popular exercises in the mindful movement category, Pilates targets all muscle groups, especially the small, often-overlooked muscles. Invented by Joseph Pilates, a German boxer more than a century ago, Pilates can be practiced at home or in a gym.
Adaptogens
These natural stress relievers are derived from specific plant and mushroom species. They first gained attention in 2024, and many people are still holding onto them. A few key adaptogens include Ashwagandha, which reduces stress hormones; Rhodiola, which combats fatigue and boosts mood; and Holy Basil/Tulsi, which promotes tranquility, among many others. Available as supplements, these adaptogens help the body balance itself and control its stress response in an increasingly stressful world.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is another popular trend. There are even red light devices you can purchase to help you bathe and treat your face, making your skin look and feel better. They are also popular for another reason: they can help alleviate pain. Although they can be pricey and were once considered niche, red light therapy is recognized for its role in muscle recovery and mood enhancement. Although scientists are not yet sure exactly how these devices relieve pain, they may do so by stimulating cell regeneration, which in turn reduces pain signals and calms inflammation.
Facial Workouts
Many people are embracing facial workouts as a new trend that boasts its claim to fame for reducing signs of aging and helping to improve one’s appearance. While treatments like Botox have had their day and are still popular, many people are opting to go for such a trend because it involves a non-invasive procedure. Complemented by devices like gua sha and jade rollers, facial exercises are gaining more popularity by the day. A new workout for the face that’s also gaining popularity is Face Pilates. It uses muscle manipulation, stimulation, and lymphatic drainage to reduce visible signs of ageing.
So, there you have it, these are some of 2025’s most popular wellness trends. You can choose one or two to incorporate into your wellness regimen or adopt them all for a healthier, fitter you!
David Messiha | Staff Writer
