Another year has flown by, and with it came a new wave of wellness trends. Some will fade fast (looking at you, carnivore diet). Others feel built to last. As we look ahead, it’s worth pausing to think about what truly worked for our minds and bodies.
Here are five takeaways from 2025 wellness trends we’re bringing into 2026—and how to make them part of everyday life.
1. Nature Is Always Trending
The world feels more digital than ever, but our pull toward the outdoors keeps growing stronger. In 2025 we saw trends that didn’t just emphasize outdoor exercise, but whole-body, sensory immersion in nature.
The Japanese concept of Shinrin-yoku—“forest bathing”—found serious traction. It’s the practice of taking mindful walks while surrounded by trees, which is thought to return our bodies to center and possibly provide tangible health benefits. Cold plunging in real marine environments also continued to be popular.
Why it matters: time outdoors does more than provide space for movement. It taps into our embedded biology. Exposure to trees and fresh air helps reduce stress hormone levels, and one study found that men who spent three days in forest environments saw benefits to their immune system. Other research confirms that even brief stays in green or blue (waterfront) environments reduce rumination and can improve mood.1
How you can adopt it:
- If you have a park, river, lake, or forest nearby, carve out one outing each week where you’re not watching the time.
- Don’t just walk—pause, look up, turn off your phone if you can, breathe deeply.
- If “true forest” isn’t accessible, a green pocket in the city works: studies show meaningful benefits even from urban tree cover.
In short: nature isn’t just a backdrop—it can be a wellness anchor.
2. Creatine Isn’t Just for the Gym
For many years, creatine lived in body-builder circles and was treated as a strength-training tool. In 2025 it took a broader role, creeping into more mainstream wellness conversations—because recent research is showing it may have value beyond just muscle.
Here’s what’s changed: Creatine is a naturally occurring compound involved in energy production, particularly where rapid bursts of power happen. What’s new is the attention on its role in the brain. Some studies show that it can have cognitive benefits as well, particularly in older adults. In practical terms: some researchers believe that if you’re pushing yourself too hard, creatine may provide added support.2
Finding the Right Creatine
When it comes to creatine, monohydrate still leads the pack. It’s the most researched form and consistently delivers results for muscle power and recovery. Most experts recommend starting with about five grams per day, then adjusting as needed based on how your body responds.
Our Zhou Creatine Powder makes it simple: five grams of pure creatine monohydrate per scoop, no fillers or flavors, and it blends easily into water, smoothies, or even coffee.
If convenience is more your style, Zhou Creatine Chews pack the same effective dose into three easy pieces. They come in fan-favorite Pink Lemonade and new Peach Mango, both backed by our Great Taste Guarantee—love it or your money back.
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting something new, but know this: creatine isn’t just for athletes chasing records.
3. Protein Took Center Stage
Protein really took off in 2025. A quick walk through the grocery store says it all: popcorn, mac & cheese, even protein Pop-Tarts. Some of these are clearly brands chasing the moment, but the principle stands: supplementary protein supports lean muscle and healthy recovery, and in general, people need that from their diets more than ever.* Research also links higher protein intake to better satiety and muscle preservation, which explains why it’s become a wellness staple rather than a niche fitness trend.
While protein snacks have their place, powders remain the most practical option for daily use. Our Plant Complete offers 23 g of protein per scoop (double up if you like) with a complete amino acid profile and easy digestibility*. For a flavorless boost that also supports skin elasticity and joint health, our Collagen Peptides provide 10 g per serving and blend smoothly into any drink; we often mix a scoop of each into a morning shake.*
The protein boom may have started as a fad, but it’s a shift worth keeping.
4. Mindful Tech and Intentional Rest
In a year when digital fatigue felt especially real, 2025 brought a renewed focus on how we use technology rather than how much. The return of analog clocks, the boom in “dumb phone” conversations and the rise of digital detox practices all signaled one thing: we’re craving restoration, not always more connectivity.
The shift: Rather than framing wellness as “what’s new,” more people asked: “What can I stop doing?” Mindfulness became less of a buzzword and more of a practice. Unplugging from screens, stepping away from alerts, and choosing when to engage became part of the toolkit.
Research supports this: a study on forest therapy noted how the immersive nature experience reduces rumination and stress by redirecting attention away from anxious loops. The analogy to screen time is clear: our minds often need escape from constant stimulation.
How you can do this:
- Set at least one daily “no-screen” window (even 30 minutes helps) where you put away your phone, tablet, and don’t watch TV.
- Use that time for something sensory: a walk, reading a physical book, listening to ambient sounds, or journaling.
- When you do use tech, pause and ask: “Is this serving me right now, or am I just filling time?”
By shifting tech from autopilot to intentional use, you reclaim rest for your mind and reverse some of the digital exhaustion we all feel.
5. The Smart Supplement Surge
The supplement industry continues to grow. This means that in 2025, it’s possible people took more supplements than ever. But with surging industries come fly-by-night newcomers without the same commitment to science or quality. Luckily, we saw a growing conversation about quality and testing in our space this year—which we absolutely welcome.
How you can supplement the smart way
- Start with the fundamentals: sleep, movement, and whole food nutrition.
- Prioritize brands that are established and provide label and ingredient transparency.
- Avoid brands with loud marketing and claims that sound too good to be true.
Supplements aren’t a replacement for healthy choices everywhere in life. They go hand-in-hand with a healthy diet, exercise, and proper sleep. And anyone who implies otherwise is a pretender—plain and simple.
Charting Your Course for 2026
The lessons from 2025 remind us that well-being isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what matters. Whether it’s time outdoors, a mindful break from your phone, or simply letting people be, these habits create space for balance and clarity.
As 2026 begins, the wellness lesson of the new year is simple: keep choosing what sustains you.
Follow @zhou_nutrition for more fitness and wellness tips!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Resources
- Patani V, Smith C. The unexpected health benefits of forest bathing. Lifestyle Medicine, Stanford University, 2023. https://lifestylemedicine.stanford.edu/the-difference-between-hiking-and-forest-bathing/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Tokuyama, E. Why everyone’s talking about creatine. UCLA Health, October 2025. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/why-everyones-talking-about-creatine
