It’s Time to Look After You!

WORDS QUENTIN VON ESSEN

THE PAST 12 MONTHS WAS CERTAINLY NOT WHAT ANYONE COULD HAVE PREDICTED. IT’S A YEAR THAT UPENDED THE VERY WAY WE LIVE AND PUT AN UNPRECEDENTED STRAIN ON OUR LIVES, LIVELIHOODS, HEALTH AND RELATIONSHIPS.

Yes, 2020 both challenged and transformed us. But despite the many negative impacts of the past year, a favourable outcome has been the renewed attention placed on wellbeing and the increased focus on mental health. And while things may be looking a lot more positive, what is clear is that 2021 demands a re-prioritisation of selfcare – the need for all of us to take better care of ourselves. That might require a bit of creativity.

When we consider the year ahead in the health and well-being space, what we see is a push toward a much healthier society, an increased focus on sustainability and purpose as well as mental health-improving habits, and a greater link to nature and community.

Healthy Eating: With time on our hands, many of us started to cook more (if not for the first time) and experiment with different foods and recipes. Working from home meant less time commuting and more time spent preparing healthy meals. People are now more aware of what they eat and where it comes from. We can expect to see more focus on foods containing immuneboosting, anti-inflammatory and nutrientrich ingredients such as mushrooms and legumes as well as pre and probiotic foods.

Mental Health: After a difficult year of aggravated mental health challenges, we now know that prioritising emotional well-being is critical to our ongoing health. The progress made in terms of increased awareness of mental health made during the pandemic will reap significant benefits in 2021. Experts predict a rise in the number of people reaching out to therapists and psychiatrists, or at the very least, using meditation and mindfulness apps to get started on their mental health journeys.

Sleep – Care: Sleep-care is now the new self-care. In these demanding times, where many people have been feeling stressed, sleep has become the best way to feel more restored. Sleep has a big impact on our lives, relationships, productivity, stress levels, immunity and even skin health. We’ve already seen a tech-boom happen with devices to help track our sleep and help regulate our breathing, but it seems this was just the beginning, and soon these devices will be in everyone’s bedrooms. But more importantly, people will pay more attention to the need for routine, to sleep more intuitively and pay attention to their circadian rhythm.

Immunity: The popularity of immuneboosting herbs and superfoods reached new heights in 2020. It is predicted that strengthening the immune system will be a major 2021 wellness trend – from food to supplements and educational classes. Expect 2021 to be the year where natural remedies will redefine self-care and wellness.

Wellness Travel: As the media talks up the vaccine roll-out, people are hoping and expecting to soon be able to dust off their travel bags. With personal health and safety remaining a top priority, wellness tourism is predicted to become the biggest travel trend in 2021. As countries prepare to open their borders once more, the travel sector is preparing to cater to an unprecedented demand for physical, spiritual and mental well-being holidays with packages that include cycling, walking and paddling trips, nature escapes, fitness and weight loss holidays, family wellness breaks, sustainable travel and eco-tourism, amongst others.

Taking care of oneself means implementing a series of habits that, over time, lead to huge, positive results, like reduced stress and better mental health – things we could all use a little more of going into 2021!