Wellness: Exploring the 'Grandmacore' Trend for Stress Relief and Mindful Wellbeing

Why it is the topic trending:

• Focus on Mental Wellbeing: With increasing awareness of mental health, trends that offer practical ways to reduce stress and boost wellbeing are gaining significant traction.

• Counter to Doomscrolling Culture: The article positions "grandmacore" as an antidote to the prevalent habit of excessive negative news consumption ("doomscrolling"), which resonates with many individuals seeking to break this cycle.

• Accessibility and Simplicity: The activities associated with "grandmacore" (e.g., coloring, sewing, gentle movement) are often simple, accessible, and don't require specialized skills or equipment, making them appealing to a wide audience.

• Emphasis on Mindfulness and Presence: The trend promotes engaging in activities that encourage focus on the present moment, aligning with the growing interest in mindfulness practices for mental wellbeing.

• Positive Association and Nostalgia: The term "grandmacore" evokes feelings of comfort, nostalgia, and gentle, nurturing activities, which can be inherently appealing and less intimidating than more intense wellness trends.

Overview: The article introduces "grandmacore" as a new mindfulness trend centered around engaging in relaxing and mentally beneficial hobbies traditionally associated with grandmothers, such as coloring, sewing, knitting, or gentle, intuitive movement. It highlights the potential of these activities to break the cycle of "doomscrolling," reduce stress levels by lowering cortisol, boost wellbeing by fostering a sense of achievement and belonging, and cultivate mindfulness by focusing attention on the present moment. The author shares their positive experience trying "intuitive movement" as a form of "grandmacore," emphasizing its calming effects and ability to promote mental and physical wellbeing.

Detailed Findings:

• "Grandmacore" as a Mindful Hobby: The trend involves practicing activities purely for relaxation and boosting mental wellbeing.

• Countering "Doomscrolling": Engaging in a "mindful grandma hobby" can help break through the cycle of excessive negative online consumption.

• Benefits of Hobbies: Choosing a hobby can change habits, teach new skills, and contribute to emotional resilience by fostering a feeling of fulfillment.

• Mindfulness through Engagement: Mindful activities help individuals focus on the task at hand, engaging the brain and cultivating focus, which in turn promotes relaxation.

• Positive Attention and "Flow State": Hobbies like knitting or coloring can create a "flow activity" where one loses track of time and feels fully immersed, preventing phone use and "doomscrolling."

• Calming Repetitive Actions: The physical, repetitive actions in many "grandmacore" activities are described as meditative and calming, soothing the nervous system and counteracting tension.

• Sense of Achievement and Control: Unlike the feeling of loss of control from "doomscrolling," mindful hobbies provide a sense of control and tangible results, with achievement being a core ingredient of psychological wellbeing.

• Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Creative hobbies can significantly lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, promoting relaxation.

• Sense of Belonging and Community: Engaging in a new hobby can connect individuals with a community of people sharing similar interests, fostering positive social interactions and a sense of belonging linked to better wellbeing.

• Importance of Enjoyment: Choosing a hobby that one genuinely enjoys is crucial for building new habits.

• Starting Small and Setting Achievable Goals: Gradual adoption is recommended for building new habits without feeling overwhelmed, such as short intuitive walks or quick yoga sessions.

• Tuning into the Present Moment: Focusing on surroundings, noticing colors, textures, and movements, and gently redirecting attention back to the activity is key to mindfulness.

• Community-Based Activities: Participating in hobbies within a community can enhance connection and make activities more meaningful.

• Intuitive Movement as "Grandmacore": The author chose 20 minutes of intuitive movement as their physically active form of "grandmacore," focusing on connecting with their mind and body.

• Benefits of Intuitive Movement: Similar to meditation, it can help switch the body from the sympathetic ("go, go, go") to the parasympathetic ("rest and repair") nervous system.

• Combining Movement with Breathing: Adding movement to breathing exercises increases physical activity and blood flow.

• Positive Personal Experience: The author found intuitive movement to be calming, reducing the urge to use their phone, and providing a break from desk work.

Key success factors of product (trend): Interpreting "product" as the "grandmacore" trend itself, the success factors include:

• Mental Health Benefits: Effectively addressing stress reduction and improved wellbeing.

• Accessibility and Low Barrier to Entry: Ease of participation without requiring special skills or expensive equipment.

• Positive Emotional Associations: The comforting and nostalgic connotations of the "grandmacore" label.

• Simplicity and Mindfulness: Promoting a focus on the present moment through gentle activities.

• Community and Connection Potential: Opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests.

• Adaptability to Individual Preferences: Wide range of activities can fall under the "grandmacore" umbrella.

Key Takeaway: "Grandmacore" is a trending wellness approach that emphasizes engaging in mindful, relaxing hobbies traditionally associated with grandmothers to combat stress, improve mental wellbeing, foster a sense of calm, achievement, and belonging, and promote a healthy break from excessive digital consumption.

Main Trend: The main trend is the increasing adoption of simple, mindful hobbies for stress reduction and improved mental wellbeing, exemplified by the "grandmacore" trend.

Description of the trend (please name it): The "Mindful Hobby Revival" trend, with "grandmacore" being a prominent example.

What is consumer motivation:

• Stress Reduction and Anxiety Relief: Individuals are seeking effective ways to manage and lower their stress and anxiety levels.

• Improved Mental Wellbeing: There's a growing desire to enhance overall mental health and find activities that contribute to a sense of calm, fulfillment, and happiness.

• Breaking Free from Digital Overload: People want to disconnect from constant screen time and the negative impacts of "doomscrolling."

• Finding Purpose and Achievement: Engaging in hobbies provides a sense of accomplishment and control, which counteracts feelings of helplessness or lack of purpose.

• Seeking Calm and Relaxation: Many are looking for activities that promote relaxation and help them switch off from the pressures of daily life.

• Desire for Connection and Belonging: Joining communities around shared hobbies can fulfill the need for social interaction and a sense of belonging.

What is driving trend:

• Increased Awareness of Mental Health: Greater societal awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues are driving people to seek proactive ways to improve their wellbeing.

• Burnout and Stress from Modern Life: The fast-paced and often overwhelming nature of modern life is leading individuals to look for mindful escapes.

• Negative Impact of Excessive Screen Time: Growing recognition of the detrimental effects of "doomscrolling" and constant digital engagement is prompting a search for alternative activities.

• Nostalgia and Comfort: The association with "grandma hobbies" brings feelings of comfort, simplicity, and a connection to a more relaxed past.

• Accessibility and Low Cost: Many "grandmacore" activities are easily accessible and don't require significant financial investment.

• Positive Media Coverage and Word-of-Mouth: Trends like "grandmacore" gain traction through positive media attention and recommendations from individuals experiencing their benefits.

What is motivation beyond the trend:

• Building Resilience and Coping Mechanisms: Engaging in mindful hobbies can help individuals develop better coping mechanisms for stress and build overall mental resilience.

• Cultivating Focus and Attention: These activities can improve concentration and the ability to be present in the moment, which benefits other areas of life.

• Fostering Creativity and Self-Expression: Many "grandmacore" activities offer outlets for creativity and personal expression.

• Developing New Skills and Interests: Learning a new hobby can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, leading to increased self-esteem.

• Creating Meaningful Boundaries with Technology: Consciously choosing to engage in hobbies over screen time helps individuals establish healthier boundaries with technology.

Description of consumers article is referring to:

• Stress and Anxiety Conscious: They are aware of their stress levels and are actively seeking solutions for relaxation and mental wellbeing.

• Digital Fatigue Experiencers: They likely spend a significant amount of time using digital devices and are looking for healthy offline alternatives.

• Nostalgia Inclined: The term "grandmacore" suggests an appreciation for traditional, comforting, and perhaps nostalgic activities.

• Self-Care Focused: They prioritize their mental and emotional health and view hobbies as a form of self-care.

• Seeking Simplicity and Accessibility: They are likely drawn to hobbies that are easy to learn and don't require extensive resources or complicated techniques.

• Community-Oriented (potentially): They might be looking for ways to connect with others who share similar interests, either online or in person.

Conclusion based on article and experience: The consumers drawn to the "grandmacore" trend are individuals experiencing stress and seeking accessible, mindful ways to improve their mental wellbeing. They are potentially feeling overwhelmed by digital consumption and are looking for calming, engaging activities that offer a sense of accomplishment and connection. This trend appears to appeal to a broad demographic seeking simple yet effective self-care practices.

• Who are them: Individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or a desire to improve their mental wellbeing. They are likely looking for accessible and gentle forms of self-care and relaxation.

• What kind of products they like: They are interested in products and tools related to "grandmacore" activities, such as knitting needles and yarn, coloring books and art supplies, sewing kits, comfortable crafting chairs, and potentially subscriptions to related online communities or patterns. They may also be interested in resources like mindfulness apps or books on stress reduction.

• What is their age?: The trend name might initially suggest an older demographic, but the article implies a broader appeal, especially to those feeling overwhelmed by modern stressors regardless of age. Younger and middle-aged individuals experiencing burnout or "doomscrolling" are likely part of this consumer group as well.

• What is their gender?: While the term "grandmacore" has a feminine connotation, the benefits of mindfulness and stress reduction are universal, suggesting that this trend could appeal to individuals of all genders.

• What is their income?: The accessibility of many "grandmacore" activities implies that this trend could appeal across various income levels, as the primary requirement is often time and basic, affordable materials.

• What is their lifestyle: They are likely individuals leading busy lives who are actively seeking ways to incorporate more mindfulness and relaxation into their routines. This could include professionals, parents, students, or anyone feeling the pressures of modern life and technology.

• What are their category article is referring shopping preferences: They are likely to shop for items related to their chosen "grandmacore" hobbies. This might involve craft stores, online retailers specializing in hobby supplies, bookstores, or even thrift stores for vintage items.

• Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers: This would depend on how deeply they engage with their chosen hobby. Someone who takes up knitting as a regular stress reliever might become a frequent shopper for yarn, while someone who colors occasionally might be a lower-frequency shopper for coloring books.

• What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop products, shopping motivations: They might look for products that are high-quality but also accessible for beginners. They might be motivated by the desire to create something tangible, to relax and de-stress, to learn a new skill, or to connect with a community of like-minded individuals. They might also be influenced by online recommendations, tutorials, and social media content related to their hobbies.

Conclusions: The "grandmacore" trend reflects a growing desire for simple, mindful activities that promote mental wellbeing and offer a respite from the stresses of modern digital life. By embracing hobbies traditionally associated with grandmothers, individuals are finding accessible and effective ways to reduce stress, cultivate focus, achieve a sense of accomplishment, and foster community connection.

Implications for brands:

• Marketing Opportunities Around Comfort and Nostalgia: Brands can tap into the comforting and nostalgic associations of "grandmacore" in their marketing campaigns.

• Highlighting Mental Wellbeing Benefits: Products related to these hobbies should emphasize their potential to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall mental wellbeing.

• Creating Starter Kits and Accessible Resources: Brands can cater to newcomers by offering beginner-friendly kits and readily available instructions or tutorials.

• Building Online and Offline Communities: Facilitating connections among individuals interested in "grandmacore" activities can foster brand loyalty and engagement.

• Collaborations Across Industries: Partnerships between craft supply companies, mental health organizations, and wellness brands could create impactful initiatives.

Implication for society:

• Potential Shift Towards More Mindful Leisure Activities: The popularity of trends like "grandmacore" could indicate a broader societal move towards prioritizing mindful and engaging leisure pursuits over passive digital consumption.

• Increased Value Placed on Traditional Skills and Hobbies: This trend could lead to a renewed appreciation for crafts and hobbies that have been historically practiced and passed down through generations.

• Positive Impact on Mental Health: The widespread adoption of such stress-reducing activities could contribute to improved overall mental health and wellbeing in society.

• Fostering Intergenerational Connections: The term itself might spark interest across different age groups, potentially leading to more intergenerational sharing of skills and hobbies.

Implications for consumers:

• Accessible and Low-Cost Stress Relief: "Grandmacore" offers a range of activities that are generally affordable and easy to incorporate into daily routines as a means of stress management.

• Opportunity for Creativity and Self-Expression: Engaging in hobbies like knitting, coloring, or sewing provides avenues for creativity and personal expression.

• Improved Focus and Mindfulness: These activities encourage attention to the present moment, helping to cultivate mindfulness and reduce mental clutter.

• Potential for Social Connection and Belonging: Joining hobby groups or online communities can combat feelings of isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

• Increased Sense of Accomplishment and Purpose: Creating something tangible through a hobby can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose.

Implication for Future:

• Continued Evolution of Mindful Hobby Trends: Expect to see more trends emerge that focus on simple, engaging activities for mental wellbeing, potentially with new creative names and variations.

• Integration of Technology to Support Analog Hobbies: While the focus is on disconnecting from screens, technology might still play a supportive role through online tutorials, community platforms, or digital patterns.

• Growing Recognition of the Link Between Hands-On Activities and Mental Health: Scientific research will likely continue to highlight the benefits of engaging in tactile and creative hobbies for stress reduction and cognitive function.

• Potential for "Grandmacore" Principles to Influence Other Areas: The emphasis on slowness, mindfulness, and gentle engagement might influence other areas of life, such as "slow living" or mindful consumption.

Consumer Trend (name, detailed description): The "Mindful Analog Escape": This trend describes a growing consumer desire to intentionally engage in analog, hands-on activities and hobbies as a way to escape the constant stimulation and potential stress of the digital world, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. "Grandmacore" is a specific manifestation of this broader trend.

Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description): The "Comfort Crafting" Movement: A sub-trend focusing specifically on crafts traditionally associated with comfort and home, such as knitting, crocheting, sewing, and coloring, used as a form of stress relief and emotional soothing.

Big Social Trend (name, detailed description): The "Wellbeing Economy": This overarching social trend reflects a growing consumer prioritization of health and wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional aspects, and driving demand for products and activities that support overall wellbeing.

Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description): The "Digital Detox" Movement: Globally, there's an increasing awareness of the negative impacts of excessive technology use, leading to a trend of intentionally limiting digital engagement and seeking alternative activities that promote presence and connection with the physical world.

Social Drive (name, detailed description): The Need for Calm and Connection in a Hyper-Connected World: In an increasingly fast-paced and digitally saturated society, there's a fundamental human need for moments of calm, focus, and genuine connection, which "grandmacore" and similar trends aim to address.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025:

• Position Products as Tools for Wellbeing: Frame products related to analog hobbies as essential for stress reduction, mindfulness, and improved mental health in marketing efforts.

• Embrace Authenticity and Simplicity: Reflect the genuine and straightforward nature of "grandmacore" activities in brand messaging and product design.

• Facilitate Community Building: Create opportunities for consumers to connect with each other through workshops, online forums, or social media groups centered around these hobbies.

• Cater to Beginners: Offer accessible starter kits, easy-to-follow instructions, and encouraging content to lower the barrier to entry for those new to these activities.

• Highlight the Tangible and Tactile Nature: Emphasize the sensory and tactile aspects of these hobbies as a welcome contrast to the often intangible nature of digital interactions.

Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:

• Develop Product Lines Specifically for Mindful Hobbies: Create curated collections of supplies and tools tailored to activities like knitting, coloring, sewing, and other "grandmacore" favorites.

• Create Engaging Content Around the Benefits of Analog Hobbies: Produce blog posts, social media content, and videos that highlight the mental health benefits, creative potential, and community aspects of these activities.

• Partner with Mental Health Advocates and Wellness Influencers: Collaborate with experts and influencers in the wellbeing space to promote the benefits of "grandmacore" and related hobbies.

• Host Workshops and Events: Organize in-person or virtual workshops and events that allow people to learn new hobbies, connect with others, and experience the mindful aspects of these activities firsthand.

• Offer Subscription Boxes Focused on "Grandmacore": Curated subscription boxes containing supplies and inspiration for different mindful hobbies can provide convenience and encourage regular engagement.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified), and what brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it. The burgeoning "Mindful Hobby Revival," exemplified by the "grandmacore" trend, signifies a growing consumer desire for accessible, analog activities that promote mental wellbeing and offer an escape from digital overload, urging brands in 2025 to position their relevant products as tools for stress reduction and mindfulness, foster community, and provide accessible resources to cater to this increasing demand for calm and creative engagement.

Final Note:

• Core Trend: Mindful Hobby Revival: The increasing adoption of simple, hands-on hobbies for stress reduction and improved mental wellbeing as a counterpoint to digital fatigue.

• Core Strategy: Authentic Wellbeing Promotion and Community Building: Brands should genuinely emphasize the mental health benefits and the comforting, nostalgic aspects of these hobbies while actively fostering communities around them.

• Core Industry Trend: The Convergence of Craft and Wellness: The growing recognition and marketing of traditional crafts and hobbies as legitimate tools for mental and emotional wellbeing.

• Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking Calm and Connection Through Analog Engagement: Consumers are primarily motivated by the desire to find accessible and enjoyable ways to reduce stress, improve focus, and connect with themselves and others in a non-digital environment.

Final Conclusion: The "grandmacore" trend and the broader "Mindful Hobby Revival" represent a significant cultural shift towards recognizing the importance of simple, analog activities for mental health and wellbeing. This movement offers a valuable opportunity for brands and society to re-evaluate leisure activities and promote practices that foster calm, creativity, and genuine connection in an increasingly digital world.

Core Trend Detailed: description: The core trend, "Mindful Hobby Revival," describes the increasing adoption of simple, hands-on activities and hobbies as a way to escape the constant stimulation and potential stress of the digital world, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. This trend represents a conscious shift towards engaging in analog pursuits for their mental health benefits and as a counterpoint to the overwhelming nature of digital fatigue. "Grandmacore" is a prominent and illustrative example of this broader movement, focusing on comforting, nostalgic crafts.

Key Characteristics of the Core trend:

• Intentional Engagement in Analog Activities: Consumers are actively choosing to spend time on non-digital hobbies as a form of leisure and self-care.

• Focus on Mindfulness and Presence: These hobbies encourage individuals to concentrate on the present moment, fostering a sense of calm and reducing mental clutter.

• Emphasis on Stress Reduction and Mental Wellbeing: The primary motivation behind this trend is to alleviate stress, anxiety, and the negative effects of digital overload.

• Accessibility and Simplicity of Activities: Many of the revived hobbies are easy to learn, require minimal equipment, and can be incorporated into daily routines without significant barriers.

• Potential for Skill Development and Creativity: While primarily for relaxation, these hobbies often offer opportunities to learn new skills and express creativity.

• Community and Connection: Engaging in these activities can lead to connections with others who share similar interests, fostering a sense of belonging.

Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend:

• Emergence of Trends Like "Grandmacore": The specific naming and popularity of trends like "grandmacore" demonstrate a cultural recognition and embrace of these types of hobbies for wellbeing.

• Increased Media Coverage on Mental Health and Digital Detox: The growing public awareness of mental health issues and the negative effects of excessive screen time provides fertile ground for trends promoting offline engagement.

• Growth in Sales of Craft Supplies and Hobby-Related Products: An observable increase in the purchase of items like knitting yarn, coloring books, and sewing kits suggests a rise in participation in these activities.

• Popularity of Online Communities and Tutorials: The existence and growth of online groups and resources dedicated to these hobbies indicate a significant level of interest and participation.

• Shifting Attitudes Towards Leisure Time: There's a growing movement away from purely passive consumption of entertainment towards more active and engaging leisure pursuits.

How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior:

• Increased Time Allocation for Analog Hobbies: Consumers are intentionally setting aside time in their schedules for activities like crafting, reading, or other hands-on hobbies.

• Conscious Effort to Reduce Screen Time: Individuals are actively seeking ways to limit their engagement with digital devices and find fulfilling alternatives.

• Greater Interest in Learning Traditional Skills: There's a renewed interest in learning and practicing skills like knitting, sewing, and baking, which were once more commonplace.

• Seeking Products and Resources that Support Analog Hobbies: Consumers are purchasing supplies, books, and online resources to facilitate their engagement in these activities.

• Joining Communities and Groups Around Shared Hobbies: Participation in online forums, local craft groups, or workshops related to these hobbies is on the rise.

Implications Across the Ecosystem:

• For Brands and CPGs:

  • Opportunity to Market Products as Tools for Wellbeing: Brands selling craft supplies, books, or other hobby-related items can position their products as aids for stress reduction and mental wellbeing.

  • Development of Beginner-Friendly Products and Kits: Catering to newcomers with easy-to-use products and starter kits can expand the market.

  • Creating Content that Supports and Encourages Hobby Engagement: Brands can offer tutorials, patterns, and inspiration to help consumers engage with their products.

• For Retailers:

  • Curating Collections of Mindful Hobby Supplies: Retailers can create dedicated sections or collections of products that cater to the "Mindful Hobby Revival" trend.

  • Hosting Workshops and Events: Offering classes and workshops related to these hobbies can attract customers and build community.

  • Providing Knowledgeable Staff: Training staff to offer advice and guidance on various analog hobbies can enhance the shopping experience.

• For Consumers:

  • More Accessible and Affordable Options for Stress Relief: Engaging in these hobbies can be a relatively inexpensive and readily available way to manage stress and improve mental health.

  • Opportunities for Creativity and Self-Expression: These activities provide enjoyable outlets for personal creativity and the development of new skills.

  • Potential for Increased Social Connection: Participating in hobby groups can lead to new friendships and a greater sense of belonging.

Strategic Forecast:

• Continued Growth of the Mindful Hobby Trend: As awareness of mental health remains high and digital fatigue persists, the trend of seeking analog escapes is likely to continue its upward trajectory.

• Expansion into New Forms of Analog Engagement: The trend might broaden to include other types of mindful, non-digital activities beyond traditional crafts, such as gardening, journaling, or playing board games.

• Increasing Integration with the Wellness Industry: We may see more collaborations between the craft and wellness sectors, with therapists and wellbeing professionals recommending these hobbies as therapeutic tools.

• Emphasis on the Social and Community Aspects: The social benefits of these hobbies are likely to become increasingly recognized and promoted, leading to the growth of more community-based initiatives.

• Potential for Intergenerational Learning and Sharing: The appeal of "grandmacore" suggests a potential for older generations to share their skills and knowledge with younger individuals seeking these mindful activities.

Areas of innovation:

• Subscription Boxes for Mindful Hobbies: Curated boxes containing all the necessary supplies and instructions for different analog hobbies, delivered regularly.

• Digital Platforms Connecting Hobbyists: Online platforms that facilitate the formation of local hobby groups, skill-sharing, and collaborative projects.

• Therapeutic Crafting Programs: Development of structured crafting programs designed to address specific mental health concerns, guided by trained professionals.

• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Craft Supplies: Increased focus on producing and marketing craft materials that are environmentally friendly and ethically sourced.

• Hybrid Analog-Digital Learning Resources: Creation of online tutorials and resources that complement and enhance the learning process for analog hobbies without being overly screen-dependent.

Final Thought (summary): The "Mindful Hobby Revival," with "grandmacore" as a charming example, underscores a significant societal pivot towards recognizing the vital role of simple, analog engagement in fostering mental and emotional wellbeing. As individuals increasingly seek respite from the demands of a hyper-connected world, the act of intentionally choosing hands-on, mindful hobbies represents a powerful and accessible strategy for stress reduction, creativity, and the cultivation of calm, offering a wealth of opportunities for brands and communities to support this enriching trend.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/fitness/i-tried-grandmacore-a-mindful-exercise-to-boost-wellbeing-and-reduce-stress-and-heres-my-verdict