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Mental health in branding -

One of the big shifts we can expect in 2025 is that businesses will gradually start to embrace the conversation about mental health in their branding.

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Mental health in branding -

Studies show that young people are more concerned about their mental health than ever before, and it seems that companies are slowly starting to listen.

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Mental health in branding -

Recent campaigns such as Maybelline’s ‘Brave Together’ and ASICS’s ‘Personal Best’ suggest that even companies that are not mental health brands are starting to think about this topic.

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Comeback of 'third places' - Another expected development for 2025 is the resurgence of 'third places,' i.e. places for people to socialize that are not their home or workplace.

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Comeback of 'third places' -

In recent years, many third places, such as cafes, pubs, and clubs, have suffered, as many businesses went remote and rents were through the roof.

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Comeback of 'third places' -

In 2024, however, there was an uptick in the number of people starting run clubs, book clubs, and even supper clubs with strangers. This is expected to continue in 2025.

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Pursuit of 'radical stability' -

Next up we have 'radical stability.' This recently coined term refers to the way in which the Millennial and Gen Z populations are prioritizing financial stability over big dreams.

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Pursuit of 'radical stability' - This trend is thought to be a consequence of inflation making it impossibly difficult in recent years for young people to start an adult life.

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Pursuit of 'radical stability' -

With rent too high and college too expensive, more and more people are letting go of unrealistic career goals and prioritizing the slow and steady changes that bring about a stable life.

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Sleepmaxxing -

The next trend that is expected to explode in 2025 is sleepmaxxing. Already in 2024, this was everywhere on social media.

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Sleepmaxxing -

For those who haven’t heard of it, sleepmaxxing is a wellness trend that focuses on getting your optimum night of sleep, using various techniques such as nose strips and eye masks.

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Sleepmaxxing -

With 41% of Gen Z reporting that sleep problems negatively affect their mental health, sleepmaxxing is a trend that is expected to continue into 2025 and beyond.

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A new beauty era -

Studies also suggest that our relationship with beauty and physical appearance may enter a new era in 2025.

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A new beauty era -

Despite growing concerns about the unrealistic beauty ideals we see all over social media, the general preoccupation with appearance does not seem to be going anywhere.

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A new beauty era -

However, experts expect that in the coming months and years, people will be more interested in learning about the connection between beauty, style, and mental health.

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A rise in pet ownership -

More and more people are expected to become pet owners in 2025, with 43% of Americans saying that they prefer pets over children.

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A rise in pet ownership -

According to one survey, 75% of pet owners admit that buying healthy food for their pet makes them feel at least one positive emotion.

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A rise in pet ownership -

As increasing numbers of establishments become pet-friendly, pet care as a form of self-care is expected to really take off in 2025.

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A rise in home reno -

One of the good things to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic was that people began to appreciate the connection between their living space and their mental well-being.

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A rise in home reno -

It turns out that being trapped at home helped people to realize the untapped potential that our homes have to satisfy our psychological needs.

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A rise in home reno -

In particular, people began to see the mental health benefits of home renovation. This is a trend that has picked up over the last few years and isn’t going anywhere fast.

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More brain rot -

In 2025 we can also expect 'brain rot,' i.e. nonsensical or absurd social media content, to become more mainstream.

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More brain rot -

Despite having a reputation for disconnecting its viewers from reality, brain rot has become more and more popular in the recent months and years.

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More brain rot -

Experts believe that this is because brain rot content is strangely comforting, despite being a little off-beat or out there.

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Sticking around -

With 62% of Gen Z saying their mental health impacts the content they consume, brain rot is only expected to grow in popularity during 2025.

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Fitness devices on their way out -

Finally, in 2025, we are likely to see a gradual move away from the obsession with fitness-tracking devices.

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Fitness devices on their way out -

Although these devices of course have a lot to offer, they can often lead to levels of self-monitoring that can only be described as obsessive.

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Fitness devices on their way out -

In 2025 this trend is expected to come full circle, with people starting to get back to remembering the real motivation to exercise, which is to get the body moving and feel more energized.

Sources: (Very Well Mind)

See also: How money dysmorphia can hurt your mental health

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