Last year we saw a shift in the way that the majority of people, across the globe, lived their lives. The new ‘normal’ which continues to trend throughout this year, reflects the increased public awareness for the prioritisation of health and compassion. Here are five of the most popular lifestyle trends that have (and continue to) define 2021.

Sustainability

The past few years, we have seen an increase in the awareness of the environment and the need for sustainable living. Sustainability is the ability maintain something at a certain rate or level. The trend of sustainability is affecting the way people live their lives in a range of different ways. In 2020, it was discovered that many Americans began to eat more plant-based foods with many more setting this as an intention for 2021. In addition to an increase in the amount of plant-based foods being consumed, studies have also found that people are actively trying to decrease the amount of red meat they eat. These food choices are being motivated by a combination of environmental and health considerations.

Sustainability is not only affecting the way that people are eating but the way that they are shopping too. The trend for sustainability is showing in the increase in sustainable shopping practices. People are shifting from fast-fashion to more vintage or longer-lasting clothing investments. When it comes to shopping for groceries or household items, consumers in 2021 are showing a prioritisation for more locally-grown or sourced items.

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Natural Remedies

Natural remedies have long been used, even before modern medicine began. However, it is fair to say that natural remedies are one of the biggest lifestyle trends for 2021.

There has been a substantial increase in the awareness of the benefits of natural remedies for common conditions. One of the biggest ingredients leading the way for natural remedies is CBD oil. As more and more studies come out showcasing the benefits of using premium CBD oils to treat ailments from acne to anxiety, more consumers are adopting the ingredient into their daily routine. The trend is becoming increasingly noticeable as businesses begin to offer CBD-infused products and food-items.

Self-Education

Forcing people to slow down and spend more time at home, Covid changed the way that many people live their lives. The increase in the number of people that spent time at home during lockdown, led to a change in habits and routines. One of the biggest lifestyle trends to come out of this was self-education. 

2021 has seen an increase in the number of people partaking in self-education, particularly through online courses. As almost everyone was forced to work remotely, there was an increase in the number of online resources available to consumers in 2020. In 2021 there are still an abundance of online courses available. This number of people who partake in online education continues to increase as 2021 continues.

Minimalism

Perhaps partly motivated by the trend of sustainability, minimalism is another popular trend. With more people spending time at home, there is a growing awareness of excess objects in the home. There have been numerous discussions surrounding mindful purchasing. This involves focusing on the motivation for a purchase, rather than just the desire for the object. Primarily focusing on the purchase of products that are needed or add value is increasing, rather than impulse buys of the past.

Shopping From Small Businesses

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit many small businesses particularly hard, which has, in turn, motivated one of the biggest lifestyle trends of 2021. More and more consumers are now actively seeking out local (and small) businesses when shopping. This trend is also partly motivated by sustainability, as shopping locally has less of an environmental impact than shopping with big, global retailers.

The lifestyle trend of prioritising small, independent brands is particularly popular with the younger generations, specifically, Gen Z-ers and Millennials. Shopping from smaller businesses and independent brands has been made possible thanks to social media and e-commerce platforms. This means that it is much easier for people to find (and connect with) independent sellers. This trend is only set to increase in popularity in the rest of 2021 and for years to come after.