The global wellness industry is projected to reach a staggering $6.8 trillion in 2026, surpassing even the pharmaceutical sector. As this market continues to grow, wellness is evolving beyond simple health trends, with a greater emphasis on sustainable practices and mental well-being. According to renowned biohacker and author Camilla Thompson, the upcoming year will see a shift towards more accessible wellness strategies that prioritize simplicity and joy over performance pressure.
Thompson, who has gained recognition for her book Biohack Me, emphasizes that the focus for 2026 will be on what she terms “healthgevity,” which prioritizes the quality of life over mere longevity. With an increasing number of individuals feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of wellness advice, the new trends aim to streamline and make health practices more relatable.
What’s In for 2026
The emphasis on social wellness marks a significant change in how health is perceived. Activities such as walking with friends, group swims, and sauna meet-ups are being recognized as crucial for overall well-being. This focus on connection highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships in maintaining good health.
Another emerging trend is the idea of joy as a health metric. Rather than solely focusing on reducing stress, people are encouraged to actively seek out joy through laughter, play, and creativity. Thompson suggests scheduling time for enjoyable activities just as one would for work meetings.
Digital boundaries are also gaining traction, with many opting for tech-free hours and limiting the use of apps. This move reflects a growing desire for mental clarity and presence in daily life. Additionally, the concept of functional strength is becoming more prominent, shifting the focus from aesthetics to practical physical capabilities, such as mobility and pain-free movement.
In terms of biohacking, Australians are embracing a more pragmatic approach, focusing on sustainable practices that support energy and recovery without the need for expensive gear or complicated protocols. As Thompson notes, tuning into one’s body is becoming a more preferred method over outsourcing personal health to high-cost solutions.
Sleep practices are also evolving. While tracking sleep may be beneficial for some, the primary aim in 2026 is to achieve restful sleep rather than obsessing over metrics. Similarly, a growing number of individuals are opting for personalized health approaches through DNA testing and hormone panels, enhancing preventative care strategies.
What’s Out for 2026
As wellness practices evolve, certain trends are falling out of favor. Drinking alcohol as a coping mechanism is losing its appeal. More Australians are re-evaluating their relationships with alcohol, often finding improvements in energy and mood when choosing to abstain.
Performative wellness is also on the decline. Elaborate morning routines and aesthetic-focused diets are being replaced with practical, relatable habits that fit into busy lifestyles. Health advice that lacks relevance to everyday life is increasingly ignored.
The dangers of ultra-processed foods are becoming more widely recognized, with research linking them to adverse health effects across various organ systems. Consequently, there is a shift towards prioritizing whole foods as a fundamental investment in health, rather than merely following diet trends.
Thompson points out that the culture of shame and guilt surrounding health choices is fading. Instead, 2026 is embracing a more forgiving and flexible approach to wellness. Extreme wellness trends and quick-fix cultures are also being reassessed; the understanding that long-term health cannot be achieved through short-term measures is gaining traction.
Moreover, the oversaturation of supplements is leading consumers to focus more on real foods and sustainable habits. Gimmicky wellness products that require extensive marketing to promote their effectiveness are likely to be sidelined as people demand transparency and practicality in their health choices.
Ultimately, the evolving landscape of wellness in 2026 is about simplifying practices to align with real-life experiences. As Thompson states, health trends are shifting towards what genuinely works for individuals rather than what is simply aspirational or trendy. The focus is now on creating a balanced approach to well-being that acknowledges the complexities of modern life while fostering a healthier lifestyle.
