The Wellness Trends Set to Shape 2027, and Why Experts Say Less May Be More

After a year of pushing every habit to the limit, burnout is real. Here’s what may replace the extremes, from morning sunlight to a cupboard staple with a surprising twist.

You’ve probably heard several terms ending in the word maxxing, a trend that’s been taking over wellness habits this year. Maxxing refers to pushing something as far as possible, such as when resting, as in sleep-maxxing, or with diets like protein-maxxing and fiber-maxxing.

The trend has extended to the point that others are stacking wellness routines, taking on several activities at once, from cold plunges and intermittent fasting to red light therapy and high-intensity workouts.

As the trend gains momentum, experts warn against its downsides, including stress, burnout, and the tendency to think negatively about one’s self-image. Stacking compounds this, with the added pressure and complexity of routines, resulting in a stressful means of self-care.

“Optimizing health can be beneficial, but when the pursuit of perfection becomes the goal, it ultimately undermines your wellbeing,” says Dr. Sohaib Imtiaz, chief medical officer for Health.

With the growing concern against too much maxxing to the detriment of one’s wellbeing, next year’s wellness trends may see a shift toward more manageable routines.

A new report from wellness retailer Healf, cited by British Vogue, suggests 2027 will see less of the extremes and more of simple moments in everyday life that contribute to wellbeing. Here are the four trends in 2027 that the report outlines.

Hormone Health

There’s been a growing interest in women’s hormonal health lately, and 2027 is expected to see more of that, as Healf reports a 378% jump in purchases of hormone-related products.

One product that’s gaining traction is myo-inositol, a supplement that research suggests may help people with polycystic ovary syndrome. The supplement may help lower androgens, sometimes called “male hormones.”

Light Exposure

Another trend that will be seeing more light (pun intended) involves catching some daylight, ideally early in the morning. This can help regulate the body’s internal clock, even on a cloudy day. Meanwhile, red light is also gaining attention, with growing research exploring its potential benefits for sleep, stress, and the skin.

Mānuka Honey

This honey from New Zealand contains a natural compound called methylglyoxal, or MGO, equipped with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, says Rose Ferguson, a functional medicine practitioner at Healf. Jars of mānuka honey often contain a UMF or MGO rating, and Ferguson says the higher the rating, the more MGO there is.

Psyllium Husk

This plant-based fiber turns into gel in the gut and may aid in digestion, as well as in regulating blood sugar and cholesterol, Ferguson says. She recommends taking a lot of water with it to prevent blockage. If you’re taking insulin, other diabetes medications, or GLP-1s, consult your doctor first for clearance.

If you’re deep into the maxxing trend and are feeling overworked, it may be time to ease into a more manageable routine. Consider a few habits that would fit perfectly into your life instead of stacking. More importantly, stick to the basics of good health: regular exercise, enough sleep, and well-balanced meals.