To combat the stresses of modern life, more and more people are embracing wellness and self-care habits. We’ve seen various trends emerge as people seek different ways to relax, relieve stress, and make themselves feel better prepared to face their daily challenges. Some of these trends may be fleeting, but others will have real value and staying power. It’s not surprising that the theme of self-care shines brightest in January. At the start of a new year, when resolutions for growth abound, self-care becomes a focus for many people. One wellness tech company reported that 72% of millennial women made self-care their new year’s resolution for 2018, and we expect to see self-care at the top of the list again this year. If you’re planning to make 2019 your year of self-care, we’ve got the inspiration and resources you need. Here are 3 rising wellness trends worth incorporating into your own life in 2019.

1. Better Posture

Your parents and teachers were right: good posture is important. You may not have appreciated this advice as a kid, but when you spend hour after hour in a position that creates physical strain, your adult body is all too aware of the problem. Strain due to poor posture can cause aches and pains, but it also can create permanent physical damage over time. The solution? Ergonomic furniture and accessories specially engineered to keep your body in a comfortable, neutral position which doesn’t place undue strain on your spine, joints, or other vulnerable parts. Few things are more integral to wellness and self-care than preventing pain and stress — both today and for your future self. Ergonomic furniture takes many forms for the office and at home, including highly adjustable office chairs and computer monitor arms, under-desk foot rests, and a huge variety of recliners and sofas. As a bonus, minimizing potential strain and pain during the day also lends itself to more restful sleep at night. Which brings us to our next wellness trend… catching some good z’s.

2. Healthy Sleep

The science is clear: one of the crucial building blocks of good health is to get quality sleep and enough of it. Self-care seekers are already planning their 2019 strategies — Pinterest reported that searches for “sleep optimization” were up 116% toward the close of 2018. Supportive mattresses and pillows are obvious equipment for improving sleep, but there are many other elements to consider if you want to truly elevate your quality of sleep. Look for bedding made from soothing material and designed to help regulate body temperature so you don’t get too hot or cold. Beyond the bed itself, the environment in your bedroom affects sleep as well. Tools that can affect the air quality such as humidifiers, dehumidifiers, or air purifiers may help you relax and breathe easier — and may even improve your skin health. Regulating intrusions from light, noise, and other distractions also can assist in your quest for better sleep. A variety of apps and devices are designed to work with the body’s circadian rhythms, allowing your sleep cycle to maximize rest and waking you up at the optimal point in your cycle.

3. Mindful Relaxation

Better sleep can have a big impact, but it’s also important to create a relaxing environment for yourself while you’re awake. You likely already know that relaxation reduces stress and cortisol levels, and can improve mental health — but what you may not realize is that you can take relaxation to the next level by incorporating mindfulness. Rather than mindless relaxation, which can end up feeling like wasted time, mindful relaxation lets you appreciate your time, activity, and the space around you. Mindful relaxation takes different forms for different people, so decorate your space with colors and design choices that help induce the feeling you want. Create a vibe that makes you happy: tranquility, cheerfulness, coziness, minimalism — or whatever relaxation means to you. Even better, include ergonomic furniture in your relaxation space, such as a zero gravity recliner or a luxury massage chair that allows you to truly kick back and sink into a state of mindfulness. At-home massage therapy is a great example of self-care, and can ease physical and mental stresses on a regular basis. The Back Store’s ergonomic luxury furniture comes in a wide variety of colors and designs, so you can choose anything from a calm, neutral color for your traditional home to a vibrant shade that makes a cheery statement in a more modern home. Are you ready to build a healthier, more comfortable 2019? Ask our staff at The Back Store how we can help you meet your self-care goals!