Wellbeing in 2026: focus on recovery, JOMO and brain-boosting trends

Wellbeing trends in 2026 are shifting from relentless training to prioritising recovery, with tech and new habits reshaping how people manage fitness and mental health. Industry experts say smartwatches and other wearables have changed expectations by tracking heart rate and activity to signal when rest is needed, reframing rest days as part of staying fit rather than time off.

A cultural shift from FOMO (fear of missing out) to JOMO (joy of missing out) is emerging, encouraging people to set boundaries, seek less external validation and prioritise what suits them rather than trying to keep up with others. Interest in brain-boosting products and practices is rising.

Retailers report growing demand for nootropics such as lion's mane, ashwagandha and L-theanine, and some forecasts suggest the category could be worth about $11bn by 2030. Consumers are mixing supplements through the day and downloading brain-training apps aimed at improving processing speed and memory, often as a form of preventive health, particularly among younger adults.

Medical voices urge caution: evidence for nootropics in healthy people is limited, and doctors emphasise proven measures such as better sleep, cardiovascular health and regular exercise to protect brain function. The vagus nerve is gaining attention as a target for stress resilience.

Key Topics

AI, United States, Health, Wellbeing, Recovery, Jomo, Nootropics