From psychedelics to ‘The Great Resignation’ – wellness trends for 2022 – CapeTown ETC

From psychedelics to 'The Great Resignation' - wellness trends for 2022

There comes a time when all of us, even those who swore wed never let the novelty of new trends bite us, as we attempt to rather beat to the rhythm of our own drums in terms of what sounds like a good idea for our well-being, find ourselves pursuing the internet in the middle of the night wondering what everyone else is up to and whether the trends theyre following are actually beneficial.

Trends are popular for a reason, and a lot of the time its because there is something special in what theyre talking about that everyone wants a slice of.

In the health & wellness community, theres been an upsurge of what were once niche, community-based tips and secrets, which have splashed onto the scene of some of the top trending ideas on the internet competing with the likes of fashion and music. Especially given the elephant in the room that refers to the past two years of monumental stress for all of us, mental and physical well being were put in the spotlight of priorities for many.

Whether youre well in the know of all things health and wellness, or whether youre a newbie looking to affirm a resolution of being more mindful of your mind and body, here are the predicted trends of 2022 set to take over the wellness world.

1. Plant-based eating will give a lot of fast-food restaurants a run for their money

The vegetarian and veganism way of life arent the only kids on the block making their way into mainstream eating culture as flexitarianism and reducetarians join the brigade of terms.

Flexitarianism refers to a flexible vegetarian, while a reducetarian speaks to eating less animal products. Both are focused on bettering the body and the planet, and pertain to a start in the world of plant-based eating.

As Vogue records, in Europe and America, numerous people say theyre eating a lot less meat than they had the year before.

The plant-based market is booming onward, and 2022 will likely see far more plant-based restaurants open up as the mindful eater becomes the main consumer.

Its no secret that plant-based eating has become far more popularised in recent times, where most menus youll see, especially in Cape Town usually have a plant-based option or alternative. However, whats interesting to gaze upon for 2022 is just how popular the plant-loving way of life has become, and will grow to be. Even in fashion, vegan products are making their way onto the shelves.

2.Psychedelics are becoming less taboo and a source for trauma healing

Psychedelics were once met with great big eyes and a look of shock from someone who wasnt exactly a hippy or part of the underground scene in many parts of the world where theres drugs were not seen as traditional. However, the collective of psychedelic experiences, with a particular focus on Shrooms, or magic mushrooms has become far more popular in recent years, and its largely because psychedelics are now seen as a part of wellness when they are controlled and guided.

The current model for treating problems like anxiety and depression just isnt very good, says Frederick Streeter Barrett, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine expresses in talking about psychedelic-assiste therapy. Theres also a lot more information available on psychedelic experiences, from user-generated content to professionals opening up about the benefits and the ground-work.

Psychedelic retreats are already on the up-surge, and as the world opens up little by little, this is one movement that will likely form a huge part of the wellness experience for many.

3. Sound healing is becoming the music to the ears of those seeking wellness

Theres been a renewed interest in ancient techniques pertaining to sound, and with all the technology accessible to many people focused on sound experiences, auditory healing is set to make even bigger strides in 2022. From sound baths to psychoacoustic, the world is going to sound a little different this year.

4.The way we think about menstration is set to change and become more eco-friendly

Anyone who has a period will know that stress is an important factor when it comes to the dreaded time of the month. Naturally, the past two-years gave us all the stress we didnt need, and with the surge of women empowerment movements fledging in a fuller force thanks to the myriad of social media movements that happened especially in the early 2020s, conversations about menstrual health became far less conservative, as did mental health talks. The result? Feminine-hygiene products are being made by more female owned businesses now and theres a huge environmental focus attached to many of them. Theres still a way to go in terms of menstrual technology, accessibility and affordability, but the captains of the ship are changing.

Bonus trend: The fertility conversation now includes men. With staggering statistics about declining sperm and a renewed understanding of reproductive health, this topic can no longer remain in the shadows, says Mind Body Green.

5.The age of mental health-focus is set to continue

Social media for all its nonsense can be thanked for opening up the door to honesty about mental health. TikTok has been a huge proponent in mental health awareness, with many psychologists taking to the platform to share tips and knowledge. Beyond information sharing, people have started to take their mental health far more seriously, and a huge case in point were the working conditions and hours movements, or The Great Resignation. As we move into 2022, theres an anxiety for business to retain their talent, while workers demand better for their brains. More psychology-focused apps, platforms and podcasts are set to take the world by storm this year.

6.Skincare is becoming more accessible and sustainable

Skincare is becoming more accessible, affordable, and focused on the environment not just in Cape Town, but worldwide.

Also read: Sustainable skincare looks beautiful on you! Cape Towns best eco-skincare finds

Sustainable skincare was already on the rise in 2021, but as more people start getting back into the economic swing of things as the pandemics tightened grip loosens, people are starting their own business with environmental focus at the ready. Bigger skin companies are shifting the narrative to eco-friendly skincare. Then theres the moving of skincare being primarily feminine as gender stereotypes fall away more and more, bringing more men to the scene of skincare focus. Additionally, while the skincare industry is a usually face-centric one, more people are turning to modalities south of the neck to influence their overall skin quality. Bodywork is nothing new, but for skincare experts and patients alike, it feels urgent now, as Mind Body Green expresses.

Read more:

Healthy eating affirmation on your list? Locals give the lowdown on the challenges

Picture: Pinteres/ psycho

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From psychedelics to 'The Great Resignation' - wellness trends for 2022 - CapeTown ETC