Nature therapy
The numbers are in! Spending time outside is good for your brain (and your body), and you don’t even have to spend hours in the woods forest bathing to reap the benefits—a leisurely nature walk will do. Studies show that exposure to nature can offer calm, focus, and boost well-being. In essence, that means spending more time outdoors in just about any capacity can result in decreased stress, anxiety, and depression. So, lace up your shoes and head outside if you’re feeling stressed.
Plant based cheese gets sophisticated
Plant-based cheese alternatives are exploding in popularity as delicious, sophisticated, often healthier, dairy-free options pop up all over the country. And products like spreadable cashew cheese, dairy-free cheddar, and even creamy vegan brie are in high demand: 48 percent of consumers are now on the lookout for products labeled “plant-based,” even if they wouldn’t call themselves vegan or vegetarian. Bonus: nut-based cheeses may help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure.
Prebiotic bubbly
Everyone knows kombucha is good for your gut, but other pro- and prebiotic beverages that aid in digestion are hitting the market, too. Often derived from the agave plant, many of these prebiotic sodas contain active fiber and prebiotics that help promote beneficial bacteria growth in your gut. Prebiotics may also boost immune function and help alleviate symptoms of IBS. All the more reason to raise a glass!
Zero-waste packaging
Say goodbye to petroleum-based plastic packaging and hello to zero-waste personal care products. From shampoo bars in cardboard boxes to lip balm in biodegradable receptacles, toothpaste in compostable sugarcane tubes to moisturizers in reusable tins, brands are offering more eco-friendly packaging for all manner of bath and body products. And since beauty and personal care products resulted in 149 million units of packaging in 2020, the more brands offering zero-waste packaging, the better.
Outdoor fitness
It’s a trend that may have been around before COVID-19, but it looks like outdoor sweat sessions are here to stay. Exercising outdoors (on your own or in a group) can help boost your mood and reduce anxiety more effectively than indoor activities, provide plenty of space for social distancing, and help you get your daily dose of vitamin D. Plus, it’s more fun than running on a treadmill!
Gear that gives back
Fitness junkies want more than gear that performs these days; they want clothing and gear from brands that give back. From supporting ocean cleanup initiatives and providing water to in-need communities to donating a percentage of proceeds to help alleviate poverty, customers have more choices than ever for fitness clothing that does good. It’s the little things that make us feel good about gearing up.
