Based on what I’ve been seeing across social media in recent months, certain wellness practices feel set to become more adopted in 2026. Not necessarily because they’re new, but because they fit into the way wellness is currently being approached.
The wellness space has clearly shifted towards routines. Practices that support the body long term, focus on recovery and regulation and can be incorporated daily, weekly or monthly are becoming more common. While aesthetics will always play a role in wellness, the emphasis feels less about quick results and more about longevity, consistency and how the body feels over time.
What I’ve noticed gaining momentum are treatments and tools that support overall body health and recovery, and that feel realistic to return to regularly. These are the wellness trends I expect to see more of in 2026, and some I’m already beginning to explore myself.
Infrared Saunas
Over the past few months, infrared saunas have been appearing more frequently across the wellness space, and I recently tried one myself. Unlike traditional saunas, infrared heat works at a lower temperature, penetrating deeper into the body rather than simply heating the air around you. Infrared sauna sessions are often associated with relaxation, improved circulation, muscle recovery, and stress reduction. During my own 45-minute session, what stood out most was how my body felt afterwards. I felt lighter and less tense, with a noticeable sense of balance rather than fatigue.
What makes infrared saunas appealing is how easily they can be incorporated into a routine. They don’t feel like an intense or occasional treatment, but something that could realistically be done weekly or monthly. Moving into 2026, infrared sauna therapy feels less like a trend and more like a wellness practice that people will continue to return to, and it’s something I’m personally keen to incorporate more regularly into my routine next year. Infrared saunas are also often mentioned in relation to aiding in weight loss by raising your heart rate and metabolism and boosting fat-burning processes through deep heat, while also reducing inflammation and potentially lowering stress hormones like cortisol.
Vibration Plates
Vibration plates are another wellness tool I’ve been seeing increasingly across social media, particularly within morning routine content. They’re often used as part of a gentle start to the day, rather than as a replacement for traditional workouts.
Vibration plates work by gently shaking or vibrating, creating small muscle contractions throughout the body without high exertion. They’re commonly used to support circulation, muscle activation, and easing stiffness, especially first thing in the morning. People use them in different ways, including standing, sitting, stretching, or lying back on the platform.
While vibration plates don’t replace exercise, they fit neatly into holistic wellness routines that prioritise consistency and ease. As we move into 2026, they feel increasingly aligned with the idea of supporting the body through regular, low-impact practices that complement existing movement rather than compete with it.
Lymphatic Drainage Massages
Lymphatic drainage massages have been part of the wellness space for some time, but their visibility has yet again. I had a lymphatic drainage massage at the start of autumn, combined with radio frequency, and the experience itself was calm, slow, and deeply relaxing. Lymphatic drainage massages are designed to support the body’s lymphatic system, helping to move fluid, reduce water retention, and support circulation. They’re often promoted for their potential slimming or body-contouring effects, as well as for their calming impact on the body.
From my own experience, the relaxation aspect was clear, though I’m still unsure whether the body-contouring benefits are as noticeable as they’re often made out to be. Rather than dismissing them entirely or fully buying into the claims, I’m curious to continue trying more sessions with different practitioners to see whether the benefits build over time.As we move into 2026, lymphatic drainage massages feel like a treatment that will remain firmly within the wellness space, particularly for those seeking calming, restorative practices alongside their regular routines.
Anu Aborisade
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