Top Trends for 2021
As we greet a new year with new hopes, new plans and new goals, it is always fun to check out some of the anticipated trends for family life, food, exercise and more. According to a variety of experts, here are some of the things you can look forward to in 2021:
- Self-care and rest succeed overly busy schedules: Many of us had time to do at-home facials, get that extra hour of sleep and take better care of ourselves in 2020. Time to rest, renew and recharge remain a top priority for many in the year to come. If you always put others first, a new year is a great time to focus on self-care.
- More takeout and delivery: Delivery was trending pre-pandemic, but food delivery and takeout remain hotter than ever, with no signs of slowing down this year. Many restaurants have upped their takeout systems and services to make it even easier to enjoy your favorite restaurant classics and new specials from the comfort of home.
- At–home gyms are cooler than ever. Maybe you finally got those 10-pound weights that were sold out and ordered the treadmill you always wanted. In 2021, home gyms will remain popular, with even more sophisticated streaming options when it comes to fitness classes. Likewise, outdoor exercise will remain a top trend this year and this decade as more people have realized how much they enjoy the fresh air and movement that comes with a bike ride, snow shoe or afternoon walk.
- Mental fitness is as important as physical fitness. According to a Journal of the American Medical Association survey, the prevalence of depression symptoms skyrocketed along with the pandemic. To that end, mental fitness—everything from therapy to medication to affirmations to finding the right resources to support your head space—goes hand in hand with physical fitness when it comes to our overall wellness.
- Virtual appointments may be here to stay. From virtual therapy to virtual doctor’s appointments, many forms of medical and mental health care will remain online for both convenience and safety.
- Work from home, the office or anywhere. While more companies expect employees to return to the office later this year, the flexibility of working from home is likely here to stay for many enterprises. More businesses realized that employees could be just as productive, if not more, when given more latitude with working hours and spaces. Importantly, there are more conversations happening about women—who were forced to leave work in droves to manage family care during the pandemic—and moms in the workforce.
Other trends this year focus on sustainability, local travel and staycations, simpler weddings, more variety in pets and greater accessibility—a UK company recently prototyped the world’s first accessible pregnancy test for those with impaired vision.
“Whether these trends resonate with you or not, a new year is a great time to focus on what you want to see more of in your life this year and in the years to come,” said Dr. Amy Hammers. “If there are healthcare trends you are interested in, please let us know!”
