Wellness Trends to Watch: What Millennials and Gen Z Are Embracing

Wellness has become more than just a buzzword—it’s a way of life, particularly for Millennials and Generation Z. These two generations are reshaping what it means to be "healthy," integrating technology, sustainability, and holistic practices into their everyday routines. But wellness in 2025 isn’t just about diet and exercise; it’s about achieving balance in all aspects of life—mental, physical, and emotional.

From digital detoxes to functional foods, here are the top wellness trends Millennials and Gen Z are embracing.

1. Digital Detox: Unplugging to Recharge

With constant notifications, endless scrolling, and remote work blurring the lines between personal and professional life, more people are recognising the need to take a break from screens. Digital detoxes are on the rise, with individuals setting boundaries for tech use, using screen time monitoring apps, and even switching to "dumb phones" that offer limited connectivity.

Social media influencers and celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber have spoken about their own digital detox journeys, inspiring a wave of followers to log off for their mental well-being. Many people are also gravitating toward tech-free retreats, where devices are surrendered at the door for a few days of mindfulness, nature, and face-to-face human connection.

How to Try It:

• Set app usage limits on your phone.

• Designate “no-phone zones” in your home, such as the bedroom or dining table.

• Try a 24-hour social media detox and see how you feel.

2. Prioritising Fitness Over Sleep: The Hustle Mindset Shift

A growing number of Millennials and Gen Zers are putting physical fitness at the forefront of their routines, sometimes even at the cost of sleep. A UK study found that 22% of Gen Z individuals would rather maintain a toned body than get enough sleep, compared to a national average of 10%. Similarly, 23% of Millennials are prioritising gym sessions over a full eight hours of rest.

While prioritising health is a positive trend, experts warn that lack of sleep can negatively impact metabolism, immune function, and mental clarity. As a result, a counter-trend is also emerging—biohacking sleep, where people are experimenting with optimising rest through cold exposure, guided meditation, and wearable sleep trackers.

How to Try It:

• Find a balance between sleep and exercise—overtraining can be counterproductive.

• Use sleep tracking apps to monitor your rest quality.

• Try sleep-friendly supplements like magnesium or herbal teas.

3. The Rise of Functional Foods and Mood-Boosting Nutrition

For Millennials and Gen Z, food isn’t just about sustenance—it’s about functionality. The growing interest in gut health, mental clarity, and energy optimisation has led to a surge in demand for functional foods. These are nutrient-dense, clean-label products with added benefits, such as adaptogenic drinks, collagen-infused snacks, and nootropic supplements that claim to enhance cognitive function.

Popular ingredients making waves include ashwagandha for stress relief, lion’s mane mushrooms for brain health, and prebiotics for gut balance. Younger consumers are looking beyond calories and macronutrients, prioritising food as a way to boost their mood and overall well-being.

How to Try It:

• Swap regular coffee for adaptogenic blends with mushrooms like reishi or lion’s mane.

• Add probiotic-rich foods (kimchi, kefir, kombucha) to your diet for gut health.

• Experiment with plant-based protein sources to reduce inflammation.

4. Mental Health and Therapy: Ending the Stigma

If there's one thing Millennials and Gen Z have done differently from previous generations, it’s normalising conversations around mental health. Unlike older generations, which often viewed therapy as taboo, younger people are more likely to seek professional help, use therapy apps, and practice self-care routines that support their emotional well-being.

Teletherapy services, mindfulness apps, and workplace mental health initiatives have made therapy more accessible than ever. Journaling, breathwork, and self-reflection exercises are also becoming mainstream habits, helping individuals process emotions and reduce stress.

How to Try It:

• Try therapy apps like BetterHelp or Headspace for guided mental wellness.

• Practice gratitude journaling or daily affirmations.

• Set boundaries with toxic relationships to protect your emotional health.

5. Biohacking Stress: Blending Technology and Nature

Stress is a part of modern life, but how we handle it is changing. Millennials and Gen Z are looking for science-backed, high-tech ways to regulate stress and anxiety. Biohacking—using technology to optimise the body—is now being applied to stress management.

Wearable devices track heart rate variability to measure stress, while AI-driven meditation apps personalise relaxation techniques based on biometrics. Cold exposure therapy, red light therapy, and grounding (walking barefoot on natural surfaces) are all gaining popularity as natural ways to regulate cortisol levels.

How to Try It:

• Use stress-tracking wearables like the Oura Ring or Fitbit.

• Try cold showers or ice baths to boost resilience.

• Spend time outdoors without technology for grounding and relaxation.

6. Sustainable Wellness: Eco-Friendly Self-Care

Wellness isn't just about personal health—it’s about the planet too. Millennials and Gen Z are driving demand for sustainable self-care products, from zero-waste beauty brands to ethically sourced supplements. Bamboo toothbrushes, refillable skincare products, and plant-based deodorants are becoming mainstream choices.

Conscious consumerism is influencing every aspect of wellness, with brands offering transparent ingredient lists, eco-friendly packaging, and carbon-neutral operations. The push for sustainability is changing how people shop, ensuring that wellness doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.

How to Try It:

• Swap disposable skincare wipes for reusable cloth alternatives.

• Choose refillable or biodegradable packaging for beauty products.

• Support brands that prioritise ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Wellness

Wellness in 2025 is about more than just diet and exercise—it’s about a holistic, mindful approach to life. Whether it's unplugging from social media, prioritising mental health, or optimising sleep, Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge in redefining well-being.

The key takeaway? True wellness isn't about following trends blindly; it's about finding what works for your body, mind, and lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to functional foods, digital detoxes, or biohacking, the most important thing is to cultivate habits that support long-term health and happiness.

What wellness trend are you most excited to try?

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