1. Focus on Stress Reduction: After yoga, what will be the next trend? Some say stress reduction. Dr. Richard Weinstein has written a new book called The Stress Effect. He says that there is an effective way to reduce stress through exercise, diet, and nutritional supplements.
2. Spiritual Approach: However, Fred Miller, the author of How To Calm Down, says that many people who have tried the simple and easy ways to reduce stress are now moving to a spiritual approach.
3. Workplace Wellness: A 2003 Survey on Health and Wellness Programs by the American Management Association says that 71% of executives now say that corporations have a responsibility to promote wellness among employees. How will this take shape? Perhaps with programs in exercise and fitness (47%), weight reduction (34%), and nutrition (25%).
4. No-Soot Candles: How many candles have you bought this past year? Candles are definitely the rage. The newest trend is using soy wax to reduce pollution (smoke and soot) and possible carcinogens released from traditional paraffin wax. Check out 100% soy wax Soy Beads at www.soybasics.com.
5. Light in Your Life: Many of us still don't think twice about artificial light or how much daily outside light we get to improve our health and mood. However, starting this next year you might need to educate yourself more. A slew of new artificial lighting choices will become available, as well as wellness-oriented products that contain the words "full spectrum." Light Force Therapy President Kim Peterson says "We need light. We have to have light. It makes a profound impact on your well-being." For a sample of what light can do for you to reduce pain, check out www.lightforcetherapy.com.
6. Walking More: Even with all those new and old diets out there, there are consistent ways to lose weight and keep it off. The National Weight Control Registry, an ongoing study by the University of Colorado, Brown University, and the University of Pittsburgh, shows a weight reduction trend: walking is the most frequently cited activity for weight reduction. Ron Sutton, president of Accusplit which produces Olympic and consumer pedometers (www.accusplit.com), says that "activity to wellness" is the new appeal.
7. Wellness Gadgets: There are more and more gadgets out there that claim to improve your health, reduce your stress, and help you enjoy life. High-tech pedometers, audio therapy hot tubs, at-home swimming bays--these are just a few of hundreds of wellness products now or soon to be available. Dimension One Spa (www.d1spas.com) CEO Bob Hallam says "Consumers are desperately trying to put balance back into their lives, and the home is the best place to start. Just look at the boom in home remodeling, especially in turning your backyard into a year-round resort."
8. Flexible Family Life: According to Julie Shields, author of The Mommy Trap, she sees a more shared-parenting and flexible-schedule family environment as a new trend. "I am seeing more men using paternity leave, more men doing housework, and older parents becoming more involved with their children." Look for more father-support groups popping up, fathers becoming more involved in their children's lives, and younger parents planning future family time better.
