During the post-pandemic era, we’ve witnessed significant changes in the way people live, work and play.
After long, gruelling months in lockdown, there’s a surge of individuals who want to reclaim the time that they have lost holed up in their rooms.
And it is in this year, 2023, that these people are regaining control of their lives with intent and purpose.
So, one may ask, what exactly are the latest lifestyle trends that people are jumping in on this year?
To simplify the answer: a lot of health, a lot of technology, and a lot of travelling.
Here are the top six lifestyle trends that have emerged this year.
1) Sustainable Alternatives
The market share for ethically-sourced apparel and make-up products has been on an uptrend for quite a while now, and it’s no different this 2023.
Consumers, particularly those that fall under the Gen Z demographic, are becoming more and more conscious of their purchases. They’re even willing to spend a little bit more for brands that follow ethical standards.
The reason for this is because of the heightened concern for the environment. Sustainable clothing and items are less likely to contribute to landfill space. They’re also less likely to harm animals and plant life compared to fast fashion brands or brands that test on animals.
With climate change looming ever closer, younger individuals are becoming more considerate of their prospects and making buying decisions based on that.
2) Mental Health Awareness
From the isolating nature of the pandemic to the rising geopolitical tensions from all around the world, the need for maintaining psychological well-being is higher than ever.
People are beginning to realise the importance of destressing and taking the time to emotionally reconnect with themselves and their loved ones.
This can be seen through various avenues. For one, telehealth usage is on the uptrend, with many individuals taking advantage of online therapy services.
Secondly, more people are participating in trendy activities that boost mental health, like meditation, exercise, and positive social interaction.
Furthermore, dialogue regarding once-taboo topics like mental health issues, depression, and anxiety has become less stigmatised as awareness of the matter grows in mainstream media.
While the core of the problem is still prevalent and felt across the world, 2023 has brought about forward strides in making mental health more recognised.
3) Reopening of Social Events
With the scares of the pandemic mostly behind us, more people are trying to make up for lost time by engaging in a large number of social events.
Private ballroom parties, family reunions, and large public events are coming back stronger than ever this 2023.
These events are often planned to house a large number of people, with party hosts calling the assistance of local catering services like Gathar to provide enough food to cover the entirety of the guest list.
In addition, live shows and concerts are also returning in full force. Festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland are almost always sold out, with people from all around the world eager to enjoy themselves with others.
The reopening of social events has provided a great reprieve for those of us who have been cooped up in our homes for so long. Furthermore, it also enables us to reconnect and catch up with loved ones without the scare of a looming virus.
4) Technological Advancement
Technology has always grown at a rapid pace, but industries across the globe have been shaken up by 2023’s controversial yet undeniably powerful AI chatbot, ChatGPT.
The ability of this OpenAI technology to comprehend input like a skilled human and deliver fast and direct responses to queries has contributed to its rapid growth. In fact, it only took two months for this tool to grow to 100 million users. In comparison, TikTok took nine months to reach the same number of users.
While the current state of ChatGPT has severe limitations that hinder it from fully replacing humans, it’s hasty to write it off altogether. We can only speculate what the upcoming years can bring to us with the continued development of this AI tool.
5) Revenge Travel
The pandemic has cut the dreams of leisure travel short for many people. However, with weeks of lockdown far behind us, more people are seeking to spend their time engaging in that one activity that’s been out of the picture for so long—travelling.
This concept of “revenge travel” refers to the phenomenon of wanting to travel to new places following a period of stagnation. Just like normal leisurely travel, this activity is the perfect way to explore the world and enjoy the diversity and culture of a country or city.
With more places and events reopening, 2023 is the best year for tourism and exploration. Whether it’s a local road trip or an adventure to a different country, revenge travel is undeniably back in season.
6) Digital Detox
It’s no secret that we have become so glued to technology over the past years. Walk around the streets and look around you—people are either staring directly at their phones or clutching them in their hands.
However, 2023 has brought about a movement that has picked up steam as of late: digital detox. This movement prompts people to break away from screens and instead take the time to mind the present moment.
While not everyone can completely close themselves off from technology, many people, especially the younger generation, are finding ways to cut down their screen time.
One trend in 2023 applied by younger generations is buying dumbphones instead of smartphones. This phone doesn’t run social media apps, preventing users from scrolling endlessly on their social media accounts.
Another trend is turning a smartphone’s display black and white. This removes the temptation that comes with watching videos on YouTube or browsing through Instagram because of the limited visual stimulus.