From superfoods and Strava to the rise of staycations and the circular economy, new crazes emerge constantly – but for every passing fad, there is a trend that stays the course.

In 2026, we’re set to be preoccupied with the balance between our digital and analogue lives, finding ways to ratchet up fitness while also slowing down.

Keep reading to find out the lifestyle trends we’ll all be adopting next year.

1. A focus on “brain wealth”, not brain health

We’re all aware of brain-training apps and exercises, as well as the principle that the brain is a muscle like any other. Staying mentally active in old age can be useful for staving off natural decline and could even help to delay the onset of conditions like dementia.

In 2026, however, you can expect to see a shift away from brain health to “brain wealth”.

Fittingly for The Pension Planner, this new trend will see brain health as an ongoing and long-term investment, rather than something to think about only as you get older.

Alongside brain training exercises like sudoku, crosswords, and other problem-solving puzzles, expect to see a rise in supplements and vitamins directed at improving and maintaining brain health earlier in life. These will be combined with a continued focus on overall wellbeing and mental health.

2. Digital minimalism and analogue maximalism

Even knowing that AI was on the rise, the speed with which it has overtaken daily life in recent years might have been shocking to some.

Amid the ubiquity of ChatGPT and the dominance of the top US tech firms – the so-called “Magnificent 7” – in global markets, 2026 could be largely about switching off.

Expect tech minimalism in the form of digital detoxes, simplified home screens, and silenced notifications as we all try to be more mindful of our phone and device usage.

Alongside this, there’s likely to be a continued surge in retro formats like cassette tapes and CDs as people shun digital music services like Spotify, while vinyl also continues to thrive.

Analogue hobbies like journaling, crocheting, and photography will also gain additional followers as younger generations look to shun the digital space in favour of tangible objects and output.

3. AI fitness and the rise of “rewired wellness”

One area where tech usage could grow is in the world of fitness.

Apps promising to track our night’s rest might lead to a continuing rise in “sleep perfectionism”, as AI-assisted tech uses real-time data to improve conditions like light and noise levels and provide personalised tips and guidance.

The same processes can be used to track the efficacy of training plans and diets, providing real-time information that can be used to maximise results, whether you’re looking to gain muscle or tone, lose weight, or just stay healthy.

Finding the best ways to use new tech and “rewire” existing tech to aid fitness and physical wellness will be big in 2026.

4. Slowcations and climate-conscious travel

Sustainability and awareness of the impacts of climate change will continue to impact tourism in 2026.

“Slowcationers” consider sustainability while travelling to and from their destination and generally stay for longer once they arrive. The basic premise is to slow down, engage actively with the local community, and be mindful, rather than rushing to tick sights off a must-see list.

Climate-conscious travel might also mean visiting off-season to help avoid overtourism during peak times. It looks holistically at the entire journey – from the carbon footprint of air travel to the sustainability of accommodation choices – to limit the negative impacts of tourism.

These ideas have been around for several years but look likely to gain popularity in 2026.

5. “Glowcations” – or holidays as wellbeing retreats

If slowcations have been growing in popularity in recent years, “glowcations” are slightly newer to the table. Named after the informal expression used to describe a person’s sudden transformation into an improved version of themselves, so-called “glow-ups” have entered the vernacular of the tourism industry.

Here, a glowcation might include:

• A spa break offering the latest in treatment and testing
• Longevity retreats focusing on physical and mental health to improve quality of life now and improve overall lifespan
• Forest-immersion breaks helping visitors to be increasingly mindful of the world around them through an appreciation of nature.

You might even opt for a sleep-focused hotel, perfect for recharging the batteries and enjoying a well-earned rest.