MBS Festival predicts 2025 will be a pivotal year for the Self Development and Wellbeing industry

As it embarks on its 48th year anniversary, the team continues to align the event with trends sweeping the mind, body and spiritual wellbeing space. So, hot on the heels of the MBS Festival at the NEC, Birmingham held back in November, the MBS team asked our customers what they thought the big wellbeing trends would be for 2025 - and here are our top 8.

1. Menopause and Women's Health Awareness

Discussions surrounding menopause and women’s health are becoming increasingly prominent. Spiritual Practices : Many women turn to spiritual practices during menopause to cope with emotional and psychological changes. Spiritual communities often offer support to women navigating menopause, contributing to social connectedness and mental well-being. A survey by The Daughters of Wisdom found that women involved in spiritual groups reported feeling less isolated and more supported during this transitional phase. Research from Mind indicates that practicing mindfulness can significantly decrease anxiety and improve overall well-being in menopausal women. As more women seek alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), there is a growing community focused on natural remedies, holistic therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. This year we showcased discussions on the main stage around menopause; and the addition of the mid-life wisdom stages introduced two years ago continues to be a well attended space.

2. Moving makes us happier!

A desire for fun and joy is reshaping how we view physical activity. The 2022 Fitness Industry Report found that 68% of participants prefer activities that bring them joy rather than strictly focusing on fitness. Movement is transcending traditional exercise routines; it’s becoming a celebration of laughter, dancing, and playful experiences.

Engaging in joyful movement not only encourages physical fitness but also releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress, essential components of optimal mental health. A hot favourite at this year’s NEC was the silent disco and laughter yoga… expect more of this as we move into 2025.

3. The Rise of Breathwork

Breathwork continues to be a cornerstone of well-being practices and research has shown that breathwork techniques can reduce anxiety levels by up to 40%. This is crucial for optimal mental health, as stress management is a key factor in maintaining emotional balance.

By encouraging individuals to connect deeply with their breath, breathwork cultivates mindfulness and centeredness; and if you have never experienced it before we have an array of practitioners who attend our shows each year so you can experience it.

4. Sound Healing is the New Reiki

Sound healing has emerged as a leading modality for relaxation and energetic balance.

An increasing number of wellness centers report a staggering 70% rise in sound therapy sessions, showcasing its growing popularity. Utilising various sound frequencies, this practice is akin to Reiki, promoting healing through auditory stimulation and significantly enhancing mental well-being by reducing anxiety and boosting mood.

5. Empowerment

Self empowerment is at the core of current well-being trends, with emphasis on individuals taking charge of their healing. In 2022 a Gallup Poll highlighted that 70% of respondents believe personal accountability is essential for improving mental health. This responsibility involves integrating various practices—be it through therapy, exercise, or spiritual exploration—into personal wellness journeys. A proactive approach to mental health fosters resilience and overall well-being.

6. Real Talk for Real Solutions

The trend of engaging in authentic conversations about mental health and well-being is on the rise. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 78% of people believe that open discussions about mental health positively impact society. Our MBS events always aim to foster open hearted conversations, and look to convey a safe space for those who wish to share. We aim to encourage individuals to share their experiences and seek practical solutions, fostering a supportive community that is crucial for optimal mental health.This includes trying out our sessions, workshops, and attending our wellness events, reflecting an increased interest in personal empowerment and self-improvement.

7. Integrating Energy Work with Conscious Action

The fusion of energy work with intentional, conscious living is gaining interest. Surveys indicate that approximately 60% of wellness practitioners are now combining energy healing practices with coaching and therapy, recognising the interplay between energetic states and actions. This holistic approach helps individuals manage stress and emotions more effectively, essential for maintaining mental well-being.

8. Channelling: Or using Psychics for Guidance and Confirmation

A growing trend is the use of psychics, galactic beings, angels and intuitive practitioners for guidance and confirmation in decision-making processes. Many individuals are turning to these sources not just for predictions, but also to validate their intuition and make sense of complex life situations.

This trend continues to serve as a means for many to seek reassurance and clarity on their paths, reinforcing the importance of trusting one's inner guidance, and is supported by the fact our Psychic Village and Psychic speakers are always an area that attracts a steady flow of visitors.

In Summary

The Self-Development industry has seen explosive growth, with projections estimating it to reach $13.2 billion by 2028 , according to a report by **MarketResearch.com . This growth reflects a burgeoning interest in personal empowerment, self-discovery, and mental health.

Individuals are increasingly investing in books, courses, workshops, and coaching services that develop skills in emotional intelligence, resilience, and holistic wellness practices, this supported by a survey conducted by YouGov who found that approximately 35% of UK adults have tried at least one form of alternative therapy (such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or herbal medicine), indicating a growing acceptance of holistic and complementary approaches to health.

As we move into the future, these trends highlight a growing understanding of the importance of addressing all aspects of our being—mental, physical, and spiritual. The mind-body-spirit narrative serves as a framework guiding individuals towards enhanced well-being, showing that nurturing each component can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life.

By continuing to embrace these holistic practices and concepts, our visitors can forge deeper connections with themselves and others while navigating the complexities of modern life. In doing so, they pave the way for a more balanced and harmonious existence.

We look forward to welcoming so many new visitors in 2025

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.mindbodyspiritfestival.co.uk