Wellness trends 2026, from personalised supplements to nervous system resets

A few decades ago, the term "wellness" entered our everyday lexicon. In the years since, more and more methods to help slow down, recharge and nourish have moved from the niche into mainstream, whether it's breathwork or sound healing.

And it doesn't look like it is slowing down in 2026. It looks like it will be the year where wellness becomes further embedded in how we move, rest, travel and play – across the Emirates and beyond.

Resetting the nervous system

Throughout the 2020s, therapy speak solidified its place in daily conversation, from boundaries to trauma bonding. But long before that, the term "fight or flight" – a hormonal response to perceived threats – entered public consciousness.

What's becoming clearer now is how easily that same response is triggered in our modern, sensory-overloaded world. For example, an unexpected email can cause our heart rate to rise. Without the real-life threat to fight or flee, our bodies can stay locked in this heightened state.

A recent Gallup study reports about 45 per cent of adults feel burnt out, which is why so much of wellness this year will focus on "resetting" our nervous system – or in more scientific terms, taking it out of its sympathetic state, which floods the body with adrenalin and limits non-essential functions.

"Regulation is replacing hustle, presence is replacing productivity and nervous system safety is becoming the new status symbol," says Dr Neeta Bhushan, emotional health expert. Think the rise of slow living routines, tech-free hobbies and even turning to AI for therapy.

This craving for calm will trickle into classes and coaching programmes, too. Take breathwork classes, for example. It is one of the quickest ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

"We’re living in a time where we're overloaded... Breathwork meets people where they are, and what I’m seeing now is less about spirituality and more about people wanting to feel calm, regulated and in control again," says Ashley Edelmen, breathwork master and co-founder of Immersiv.

Fitness and wellness integrate as the ultimate third space

An increasing number of wellness clubs are popping up around the UAE. Some spots that have Pilates classes, now also include red light therapy and a cafe – all under one roof. This is set to become more common in the years ahead.

"Training is no longer the end goal – it’s the entry point. Members are increasingly aware that fitness alone doesn’t equal feeling well," says Merigold. "Lifestyle choices now sit alongside movement as equally important pillars."

Gyms such as Fitness First and Wellfit now integrate classic training equipment with wellness and longevity solutions, and new gym layouts include recovery, mobility and reset spaces. Merigold adds: "Coaches will evolve into wellness educators – helping members understand how training, recovery, sleep and stress interact."

Mohammed Al Thani, founder of Sharjah gym Altitude Elite, adds: "In 2026, I believe fitness will move into a deeper space of purpose, longevity and self-connection. Gyms will evolve into true third spaces where people come to reconnect, reset and build resilience. Training will become more intentional ...