Top Wellbeing Trends for 2026

Before we know it, 2026 will be here. As the year draws to a close, a question often at the forefront of business and consumer conversations is: What are the next major shifts in wellness?

The industry is constantly evolving, but based on emerging predictions and market analyses, here are key wellbeing trends anticipated for 2026:

It’s still about AI Personalized Health and Wearables: Oura Ring. Garmin. Apple Watch. Smart rings and watches are still hot on the trends list. These devices track individual biometrics such as sleep, heart rate variability, and glucose levels to help people manage their health and wellbeing. Consumers will increasingly use this data for personalized nutrition plans, workout recommendations, and overall health optimization.
 
Somatic and Body-Based Healing: There is a growing focus on practices that use the body to process emotional and mental states.  Somatic wellness, which views trauma and stress as stored in the body not just the mind, is moving mainstream.  A few years ago, I went through an intense ten-week Rolfing process that resulted in an improved walking gait, pain-free shoulder mobility and a general sense of relaxation.  Rolfing, or Structural Integration, is a form of bodywork that employs deep, sustained manipulation to reorganize the body's connective tissue, or fascia, aiming to improve alignment and posture. Dr. Ida Rolf Institute Additional somatic therapies that complement traditional talk therapy are breathwork, cold immersion/plunges and sound therapy.
 
Longevity as the New Anti-Aging: The goal is no longer just to live longer, but to live better for longer, called the "vitality span".  This trend drives demand for preventative products and services, including supplements targeting cellular health, functional foods rich in protein and nootropics, and a focus on muscle/joint support to maintain mobility and independence into old age.  A prime example of this trend is Red Light Therapy (RLT), which leverages low-level light to stimulate mitochondrial function, boost collagen production, and enhance cellular repair.  What makes it a 2026 trend is its unprecedented accessibility, moving from specialized dermatology clinics and med spas into affordable, at-home devices available everywhere from Amazon to big-box retailers. Red Light Therapy: Effectiveness, Treatment, and Risks 

The M Word: Menopause and perimenopause are no longer a taboo subject.  In 2026, the management of perimenopause and menopause will be defined by greater accessibility and personalization.  There are an abundance of telehealth platforms offering tailored hormone and non-hormonal treatment plans.  We will see an increased uptake of non-hormonal pharmaceutical options for hot flashes, alongside a continuing movement to overcome the knowledge gaps surrounding this life stage.  Kaiser Permanente offers Menopause Coverage in the following ways:

Preventive Care & Screening: Your plan covers consultations with healthcare providers, including OB/GYNs, to help manage menopausal symptoms. It also includes important preventive screenings during and after menopause, such as bone density tests for osteoporosis and regular check-ups to monitor cardiovascular health.

Treatment Options: Kaiser Permanente covers a range of treatments for menopause symptoms, including: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): FDA-approved hormone therapies, including bioidentical hormones, available in pills, patches, gels, sprays, and vaginal rings.
 
Non-Hormonal Medications: Certain antidepressants and other non-hormonal options to help manage hot flashes and mood swings.
 
Specialized Care: Tailored care plans for members experiencing menopausal symptoms due to cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or surgical removal of the ovaries.
 
Lifestyle and Mind-Body Support: Guidance on lifestyle changes and complementary therapies, like yoga, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help alleviate symptoms. Educational materials and self-care apps are also available here.
 
Intentional Rest: Who is interested in a digital detox retreat in Thailand or a sleep weekend getaway?   In contrast to the "hustle culture," 2026 is expected to see a rise in "soft wellness" and intentional rest.  This includes a focus on products that soothe and nurture gut-brain support and relaxation aids like probiotics and magnesium.  Intentional rest, the deliberate practice of calming your nervous system, is also on the rise in forms of diaphragmic breathing, mediation and quality sleep.   Restorative travel experiences like sleep tourism and digital-detox retreats support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of travelers.

Here are some of the most popular and highly rated digital detox retreats around the world, known for their strict tech-free environments: The Ranch in Malibu - The Ranch Life | Luxury Fitness, Wellness & Health Retreat, Rancho la Puerta in Baja California, Mexico Rancho La Puerta: Destination Spa | Fitness and Spa Retreat, Kamalaya in Koh Samui, Thailand Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa Resort | Kamalaya Koh Samui