FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY , “ An apple a day keeps the doctor away ” has reflected the truth that living a healthy lifestyle leads to increased well-being , which minimizes the need for calls to the doctor ’ s office . But as consumers continue to experience a vast shift in their priorities and habits at home and work in the wake of COVID-19 , it is clear that we may need to pack more than just an apple in our self-care toolkits to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make wellness an essential part of every day .

REFRAMING THE BENEFITS OF SPA According to GWI ( formerly GlobalWebIndex ), 77 percent of consumers across all markets covered by GWI are concerned about COVID-19 variants , causing 44 percent of respondents to blame the pandemic for worsening stress and anxiety levels . To combat ( or cope with ) this concern , GWI ’ s data suggests that consumers are now looking to prioritize preventative self-care disciplines to make the pursuit of personal well-being a necessary part of their daily lifestyle . With GWI reporting that back , muscle and joint pain ( most common in people over 55 ), along with anxiety and stress ( most common in young people ) have all been steadily increasing over the past two years , it is vital that the spa industry enters the discussion and presents itself as a reliable guide to wellness and a rejuvenating oasis of recovery that extends into the homes of guests seeking to make self-care a habit .

56 PULSE • APRIL 2022