In an age of hyperconnectivity and hustle culture, people are reimagining modern living through mindfulness and self-care, claiming moments of clarity and living for the present
Between constant notifications, 24/7 access to news, and juggling work-life balance, living in the present moment in today’s world is easier said than done. Pair that with constantly shifting online trends and comparison culture, and it’s simply too much for our brains to process. While we’re all susceptible to getting sucked in from time to time, more people are starting to embrace a much simpler view on life; one that prioritises presence over perfection, small rituals over big milestones, and joy in the everyday over endless achievement.
While Gen Z has adopted and rebranded this concept as ‘main character energy’ across social media, this lifestyle shift can be seen in every generation. School kids are learning about meditation, people who never exercised in their lives are running marathons, and matcha has become a staple in every neighbourhood café. Call it romanticising life, prioritising health, or intentional living, but whatever way you frame it, these small changes aren’t just another fleeting TikTok trend, they’re all part of one bigger global wellness movement that is reshaping how we experience life.
Zen Before It Was Cool
The mainstream surge of health-conscious lifestyles is a refreshing swap from burnout and hustle culture, but the idea of wellness and practising mindfulness is by no means a new concept. Truth be told, people have used mindfulness for thousands of years, and for good reason. When you think about it, every culture and religion has some form of quiet reflection, be it through prayer, connecting with nature, or meditation.
Take Taoism, for example, which emerged in the 6th century BCE in China. This ancient philosophy encourages living in harmony (Tao) with the natural flow of the universe, often through simple practices like observing nature, moving with intention, and finding stillness. Later, Stoicism came along with its focus on self-awareness, personal responsibility, and staying calm in the face of things you can’t control, all ideas that feel surprisingly relevant now.
A lot of what we recognise in today’s wellness space has its roots in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Hinduism introduced the world to yoga, meditation, breathwork, and Ayurveda, all of which aim to bring balance to mind and body. Buddhism followed these principles, placing more emphasis on mindful awareness and letting go of ego, with practices like seated meditation and loving-kindness shaping many of the tools we use today.
The Modern Wellness Movement
Fast forward a few hundred years, and here we are, bang in the middle of another mindful movement, with the global health and wellness market size estimated at over 6.8 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024 and set to increase to almost nine trillion U.S. dollars by 2028. Maybe it’s a result of mainstream media, or maybe it was the pandemic that put the importance of health into perspective, we can’t say for sure. However, what we do know is that this is far more than a fad; this is a global lifestyle change and a huge step in the right direction.
In terms of physical health, gym memberships, running clubs, and Apple Watches have become the new norm alongside trending workouts like Hyrox and reformer Pilates classes. This year’s TCS London Marathon even broke the world record for the highest number of finishers, which says a lot about how things are shifting. Food-wise, supermarkets and restaurants are more inclusive than ever, with plenty of plant-based and allergy-friendly choices available. Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t still enjoy a trip to the chippy now and then.
Looking after the mind, some schools are weaving mindfulness into PSHE lessons, while companies are introducing flexible schedules, quiet spaces, and workshops on managing stress. As for online, podcasts and apps are making mindfulness easier to access, with favourites like On Purpose with Jay Shetty or Headspace offering bite-sized ways to slow down. Self-help books are also flying off the shelves, and more people are picking up journaling as a way to check in with themselves.
That being said, living well means something different to everyone. It doesn’t have to be rocket science; sometimes it’s the simple things that make us feel our best, like spending time with loved ones, walking in nature, or simply enjoying a good cup of tea.
What Is Main Character Energy?
Despite how self-centred it may sound, the idea of making yourself the main character is Gen Z’s solution to being more present in the now. It’s not about ego, it’s about taking control of your own narrative and living every moment with purpose and confidence, as if you’re the protagonist of your own story. The term first started gaining popularity on TikTok in 2020 when a user named ashlaward created an inspirational audio paired with a simple video of her with friends that begins with “You have to start romanticising your life. You have to start thinking of yourself as the main character.”
Going viral during lockdown, the sound struck a chord with users who were stuck at home, craving a sense of control and connection. There are now more than 79,000 videos using that audio, all of which show people turning everyday moments into something meaningful. Think soft morning routines, aesthetic coffee walks, and living like you’re in a coming-of-age film. Make a mistake? No problem. It’s not about being perfect, it’s all part of the plot!
The bottom line is that life feels better when you slow down and notice the little things. The global wellness wave shows no sign of easing, so this is a perfect moment to weave small, intentional rituals into everyday routines and feel the difference they make. After all, the plot is yours to write, so claim the starring role and enjoy every scene.
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