Last year saw a shift in the way that the majority of people, across the globe, lived their lives. As 2021 continues, so does this pattern of the ‘new normal,’ which has in turn created noticeable lifestyle trends. The top lifestyle trends of 2021 reflect the increased public awareness for the prioritization of health and compassion. The list below outlines the five most popular lifestyle trends that are defining 2021.
1. Sustainability
The past few years have seen an increase in awareness of the environment and the need for sustainable living, a trend that is only set in to increase as 2021 continues. As sustainability is one of the top lifestyle trends for 2021. The trend of sustainability is affecting the way people live their lives in a range of different ways. For example, many Americans began to eat more plant-based foods in 2020 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 long-lasting clothing investments. When it comes to shopping for groceries or household items, consumers in 2021 are showing a prioritization for more locally-grown or sourced items.
2. Natural Remedies
Natural remedies are by no means a new invention, after all, natural remedies have been used since before the modern medicine began. However, it is fair to say that natural remedies are one of the biggest lifestyle trends for 2021.
There has been an increase in consumer awareness of the benefits of natural remedies for common conditions. One ingredient that is leading the way for natural remedies is CBD oil. As more and more studies have come out showcasing the benefits of using premium CBD oil to treat anything from acne to anxiety, more consumers are adopting the ingredient into their daily routine. The trend is becoming increasingly noticeable as a range of different businesses is beginning to offer CBD-infused products and food-stuffs.
3. Self-Education
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that people live their lives, forcing people to slow down and spend more time at home. This increase in the number of people that are spending time at home has led to a change in habits and routines. One of the biggest lifestyle trends to come out of this is self-education.
2021 has seen an increase in the number of people partaking in self-education, particularly through online courses and lessons. As almost everyone was forced to shift to working remotely in 2020 there was an increase in the number of online resources available to consumers. This means that in 2021 there is an abundance of online courses available. This rise in the number of people partaking in online education is only set to increase as 2021 continues.
4. Minimalism
Perhaps partly motivated by the trend of sustainability, minimalism is another popular lifestyle trend for 2021. With more people spending time at home, there is a growing awareness surrounding the need for excess objects in the home. During 2021 many consumers have begun discussing the need for mindful purchasing. This involves focusing on the motivation for a purchase rather than just the desire for the object. An increasing number of shoppers are limiting the amount that they are buying, focusing purchases on products that are needed or add value.
5. Shopping From Small Businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small businesses particularly hard, which has, in turn, motivated one of the biggest lifestyle trends of 2021. Consumers are actively seeking out local small businesses when shopping. This trend is also in part motivated by sustainability, as shopping locally has less of an environmental impact than shopping with big, global retailers.
The lifestyle trend of prioritizing small, independent brands is particularly popular with younger generations, specifically, Gen Z-ers and Millennials. Shopping from smaller businesses and independent brands has been made possible by social media and e-commerce platforms like Etsy. 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.
