Before we know it, 2026 will be upon us. As the year winds down, one question continues to spark discussion among businesses and consumers alike: What’s next for wellness? The industry never stands still, and based on emerging insights and market forecasts, here are five key wellbeing trends expected to shape 2026.

1. It's still about AI, Personalized Health, and Wearables

Smart rings and watches such as Oura Ring, Garmin, and Apple Watch, remain at the top of 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.

2. 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 underwent an intense ten-week Rolfing process that resulted in an improved walking gait, pain-free shoulder mobility, and a general sense of relaxation. Rolfing, also known as Structural Integration, is a form of bodywork that utilizes deep, sustained manipulation to reorganize the body's connective tissue, or fascia, with the goal of enhancing alignment and posture. Learn more about the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute online.

Additional somatic therapies that complement traditional talk therapy include breathwork, cold immersion/plunges, and sound therapy.

3. Longevity as the New Anti-Aging:

Today, it’s not just about living longer, it’s about living better for longer. This concept, often referred to as the “vitality span,” is reshaping wellness priorities and driving interest in preventive health solutions. From cellular health supplements and protein-packed functional foods to nootropics and joint-support formulas, people are investing in ways to maintain strength and independence as they age.

One standout innovation is Red Light Therapy (RLT). Once a niche treatment found only in dermatology clinics and med spas, RLT is now going mainstream thanks to affordable at-home devices that use low-level light to boost collagen, enhance cellular repair, and support mitochondrial function. Learn more about Red Light Therapy.

4. The M Word:

Menopause and perimenopause are no longer taboo subjects. In 2026, the management of perimenopause and menopause will be defined by greater accessibility and personalization. Numerous telehealth platforms are offering customized 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 essential 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 several menopause treatments, 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.

5. Intentional Rest:

Who’s ready to unplug for a few days, or maybe escape on a “sleep weekend” getaway? As we move away from the pressures of hustle culture, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of soft wellness, a gentler, more mindful approach to health. This movement centers on calming the nervous system and restoring balance, with growing interest in gut-brain support through probiotics, magnesium, and other relaxation aids.

Intentional rest is becoming a wellness priority, whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply getting better sleep. It’s also redefining travel: sleep tourism and digital detox retreats are gaining momentum as travelers seek destinations that offer real restoration for the body and mind. 

Here are some of the most beloved digital detox retreats around the globe, places where switching off your phone means truly switching on your wellbeing.

If you'd like to learn more, please contact me at:

Jennifer Green
Vice President of Wellbeing & Engagement
jgreen@venbrook.com 
949.652.6327