{"id":341253,"date":"2025-12-29T16:32:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T16:32:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/341253\/"},"modified":"2025-12-29T16:32:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T16:32:18","slug":"from-nad-therapy-to-vagus-nerve-stimulation-the-wellness-trends-well-all-be-trying-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/341253\/","title":{"rendered":"From NAD+ therapy to vagus nerve stimulation, the wellness trends we\u2019ll all be trying in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The wellness<\/a> industry, which is set to a reach a mega $9 trillion<\/a> globally by 2028, is no stranger to a trend. Some are genuinely positive, others are interesting and then there are those which are just downright dodgy. <\/p>\n

If 2025 was the year of creatine<\/a>, contrast therapy, fibremaxxing<\/a> and fitness competitions like HYROX, what does 2026 have in store for us? With the help of some industry insiders, we\u2019ve done some digging to uncover the fresh new trends that might actually be worth incorporating into your routine. New year, new you, incoming. <\/p>\n

1. Stimulating the vagus nerve to ease stress<\/p>\n

Meditation apps and mindfulness journals to relieve anxiety and tension? Those were just the start. In 2026, we\u2019ll focus on stimulating the vagus nerve, a key pathway in the body\u2019s stress-regulation system. <\/p>\n

According to the team at Nurosym<\/a>, the vagus nerve connects the brain, heart, gut and immune system. Regulating it may potentially<\/a> help to relieve a number of symptoms, including stress, low energy, insomnia, digestion issues and even chronic pain. <\/p>\n

Popular vagus nerve \u2018hacks\u2019 include cold water face splashes, neck massages and breathing exercises, but there are also a number of wearable vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices, like Nurosym \u2013 which is a certified C-marked medical device that\u2019s backed by over 50 clinical trials \u2013 now available to buy. These gadgets allow you to activate your parasympathetic nervous system and de-stress from the comfort of your sofa, but they don\u2019t come cheap. <\/p>\n

2. Sound healing as a form of self-care <\/p>\n

Another soothing ritual which is set to strike a chord in 2026 is sound healing. We\u2019re talking immersing yourself in the sound of chimes, gongs and crystal bowls to send you into a relaxing, meditative state. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are craving rest and relaxation,\u201d says sound practitioner Nancy Trueman<\/a>. \u201cIt offers an immediate, tangible way to unwind the nervous system.\u201d <\/p>\n

Once found in boutique wellness studios, sessions are now available in mainstream gym settings, health clubs and spas, including David Lloyd and Virgin Active. How does it work? You simply lie down, close your eyes and get cosy while your sound therapist playing instruments around you. The tinkering sounds should encourage your body and mind to relax, leaving you feeling significantly lighter and calmer. <\/p>\n

3. Micro-personalised workouts to replace generic plans <\/p>\n

After years of following the same, one-size-fits-all workout programmes, fitness is set to become a lot more individual in 2026. After all, what works for one person may not be right for someone else. <\/p>\n

\u201cMicro-personalisation isn\u2019t just about creating workouts which are based on your overarching fitness goals,\u201d explain Rowan Clift, training and nutrition specialist at AI-powered fitness coaching app Freeletics<\/a>.\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s about minute-by-minute responsiveness and exercise that feels precisely in tune with your state on any given day.\u201d <\/p>\n

Freeletics, for instance, offers a next-gen AI coach, which delivers training in real-time and automatically tweaks the intensity depending on your energy levels, recovery and the equipment you have available. AI-optimised workout tech \u2013 like the Magic AI Fitness Mirror<\/a> we tested at the Good Housekeeping Institute<\/a> \u2013 is also set to become a firm fixture in our homes. The innovative piece of kit provides a truly interactive workout experience from your living room, with live form tracking and real-time feedback. Premium equipment brand, Technogym, also offers a set of Connected Dumbbells<\/a> which track sets and repetitions and gives tips to help you improve your lifting technique. <\/p>\n

Magic AI Fitness Mirror<\/p>\n

\"UK\"AI<\/a>4. Wellness through community and connection <\/p>\n

Despite the focus on personalised fitness, we\u2019re still craving community and connection \u2013 and wellness is becoming one of the main ways people are finding it. The appetite for run clubs shows no signs of slowing down in 2026, even more of us will be signing up for fitness competitions like HYROX, and team sports including as netball and hockey are also set to make a major comeback. <\/p>\n

And, as we become more mindful of our alcohol intake, 2026 will see many of us replacing pints and pub trips with visits to communal wellness spaces like bathhouses for sauna and ice bath socials, dance parties and even coffee shop raves (yes, really!) to foster authentic connections, sans booze. <\/p>\n

\"run5. Brain health takes centre stage <\/p>\n

Brain health is poised to become a major pillar of wellness in the new year, with more of us prioritising cognitive fitness alongside physical fitness and aesthetics. <\/p>\n

As consumers search for personalised, science-backed ways to build their long term \u2018brain wealth\u2019, health brands are launching nootropic blends designed to support mood balance and stress reduction. Holland and Barrett<\/a>, for example, has a wide range of smart supplements and snacks aimed at bolstering the brain, from Safr\u2019Inside (saffron extract) and Bacopa monnieri (an Ayurvedic herb) to a dedicated Brain Health Trail Mix which features lion\u2019s mane mushroom, miso and ginger along with vitamin B5 and zinc on the ingredients list. <\/p>\n

Aside from supplements, there\u2019s also a growing emphasis on habits that protect cognitive function. This includes nailing the basics: getting sufficient sleep, regulating stress, managing digital stimulation and allowing time for mental recovery \u2013 giving the brain space to properly rest and reset. <\/p>\n

\"Saffron<\/a>Holland & Barrett Saffron Capsules\"Bacopa<\/a>Ezyleaf Bacopa Monnieri Capsules\"Brain<\/a>Holland & Barrett Brain Health Trail Mix6. Strength training for longevity <\/p>\n

Of course, strength training<\/a> isn\u2019t going anywhere, but we are seeing a shift to focus on its longevity benefits. Instead of striving for toned physiques, we\u2019ll be using strength work to support our long-term health.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re no longer viewing strength training purely through the lenses of aesthetics and athletic performance,\u201d says Clift. \u201cIt\u2019s become the foundation for healthy ageing, disease prevention and the ability to move through daily life confidently and free from pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Essentially, it\u2019s about strengthening your body to move better as you age, from carrying shopping bags with ease and supporting bone and joint health to improving posture and feeling more energised day to day. <\/p>\n

\"women7. Wellness at a cellular level <\/p>\n

On the subject of longevity, cellular health \u2013 which focuses on how well the body\u2019s cells function and regenerate \u2013 is enjoying a moment. <\/p>\n

\u201cTraditional markers like weight and BMI only offer surface-level health insights,\u201d explains Dr Mohammed Enayat<\/a>, GP and founder of London-based longevity clinic HUM2N<\/a>.\u201d Instead, cellular markers like mitochondrial function, lipidomics and epigenetic age are emerging as the truest indicators of vitality.\u201d <\/p>\n

According to Dr Enayat, long-term patterns in diet, lifestyle and stress can erode cellular function, eventually showing up as brain fog, digestive issues, hormone imbalances or slow recovery. \u201cFocusing on cellular health before these symptoms arise allows for a more proactive approach to wellness, and sets the stage for a longer, healthier life.\u201d <\/p>\n

Alongside longevity testing to reveal your biological age, HUM2N offers a range of treatments to support and optimise cellular function. There\u2019s NAD+ therapy (a type of IV therapy designed to keep cells functioning efficiently as we age) and lipid balance optimisation (to improve the balance of fats (lipids) in the body. There are also stem cell facials and LED therapy, which work at a cellular level to encourage skin and hair regeneration. <\/p>\n

8. HIIT is out, low-impact exercise is in <\/p>\n

After years of burpees, high knees and box jumps, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is taking a backseat to gentler forms of movement that deliver big results, without the physical and mental toll. Sure enough, subscription-based fitness platform ClassPass<\/a> revealed that bookings for low-impact training were up by a massive 112% in 2025. <\/p>\n

\u201cMore people are choosing low-impact exercise to reach their health and fitness goals because it\u2019s accessible, safe and proven to improve overall wellbeing, while carrying a much lower injury risk compared to HIIT,\u201d says Sam Quinn, personal training lead at Nuffield Health.<\/a> <\/p>\n

\"wellness<\/p>\n

Getty Images<\/p>\n

Forms of low-intensity steady-state (LISS) exercise (which involve performing low-impact activities at a moderate period for an extended period) include walking, cycling, swimming, Pilates and yoga. \u201cIt supports meeting the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, improves cardiovascular health, promotes fat burning is easier on the joints and connective tissue,\u201d explains Quinn. <\/p>\n

It can be especially beneficial for women going through hormonal changes like the perimenopause and menopause. This is because it supports the body, without spiking cortisol levels at a time when stress tolerance is naturally lower. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to say that HIIT is completely \u2018out\u2019 for 2026, simply that it\u2019s no longer the default. Instead of pushing your body to the extreme six times a week, it\u2019s about forming a well-rounded exercise routine that combines strength training, low-impact cardio, mobility and proper recovery to support your long-term health and recovery. <\/p>\n

9. Heated workouts go mainstream <\/p>\n

One of hottest new trends for 2026? Heated workouts. We\u2019re not talking hot yoga in sweaty studios with the heat cranked up to 40C (which has been popular for decades), but sessions in infrared studios. Instead of heating up the room, the infrared technology heats your body directly, promising a more challenging workout and long list of benefits from increased flexibility to better circulation. <\/p>\n

A range of London studios now offer dedicated infrared yoga, Pilates and movement classes, including Psycle<\/a>, Heartcore<\/a> and KXU,<\/a> and no doubt we\u2019ll be seeing more launches across the country over the next 12 months. <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t fancy working up a sweat in an exercise class? You can still reap many of the same circulation and recovery benefits by kicking back in an infrared sauna, whether it\u2019s in your local leisure centre or via at-home sauna blanket<\/a> or sauna pod<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\"UK\"Sauna<\/a>CurrentBody Sauna Blanket\"UK\"Sauna<\/a>10. Wellness gets hormone literate <\/p>\n

Hormone health been getting some attention for a while, and things are only set to ramp up in 2026 as hormone tracking apps, cycle syncing and hormone-supportive nutrition hit the mainstream. There will also be a greater focus on supporting women as they navigate the perimenopause and menopause. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a real shift happening,\u201d says Leila Martyn, founder of hormonal health brand MyOva<\/a>. \u201cWe\u2019re no longer just talking about periods or fertility, but about how things like sleep, movement recovery and relaxation directly influence our hormones and overall wellbeing.\u201d <\/p>\n

“It\u2019s exciting because it\u2019s no longer just about treating symptoms but building everyday habits that help women feel more in tune with their bodies.\u201d <\/p>\n