Therapy on your phone, more exercise at home, mushrooms as medicine: this year’s wellness trends will continue to be shaped by the pandemic

Friluftsliv, a Norwegian concept, translates as ‘free air life’ and is an appreciation of being outdoors and incorporating outdoor activities into your life

According to Pinterest, athflow fashion – ‘when athleisure meets elegance’ – will be everywhere, professional enough for work but comfy enough for the sofa

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This year’s wellness trend predictions include mediation and therapy via your phone. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 2:30am, 7 Jan 2021Updated: 4:27am, 7 Jan 2021

With the coronavirus pandemic shaping our entire world in 2020, it’s no surprise that we’ll see its influence extend into 2021 lifestyle and wellness trends.

“I think the pandemic will continue to drive trends for at least another 18 months. Even with the vaccine,” says Jane Buckingham, founder and CEO of US-based trend forecasting and consulting company Trendera.

So what can we expect to see in 2021? Picture a rise in health-tracking wearables, feel-good phone apps and an increased focus on work-life balance and eco-friendly products. Plus, experts predict you’ll hear much more about the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv. But more on that later.

Here are eight of the top trends you can expect to see in 2021:

Comfort crafting is predicted to become a big trend this year. Photo: Shutterstock

1. Comfort crafting

In terms of mental wellness and self-care, Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy’s trend expert, says “little luxuries” and “wellness-focused rituals” are going to be popular.