COMMUNITY, CONNECTION & COLLABORATION: WHAT'S THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL WELLNESS IN 2025?

Happy New Year! As we step over the threshold into 2025 and the potential for endless possibilities, I want to explore the topic of social wellness as recent insights are emphasising that communal experiences are pivotal to holistic health.

This week’s statements that caught my eye were:

• "The future of self-care is actually a form of entertainment….? Social self-care will make us healthier”. ?Dr. Jonathan Leary, CEO and founder of Remedy Place, a social wellness club.
• "We live in a time that cries out for belonging. If wellness is the goal, then connection is the key." Aradhana Khowala, CEO of Aptamind Partners.

These assertions do underscore the intrinsic link between communal engagement and personal health, but surely this is nothing new, especially when you consider ancient practices, still carried out today, in bathhouses (public & private), saunas, steam rooms, banyas, sweat lodges, hot springs etc, that all had social wellness and collective wellbeing at their very heart.

Therefore, I found myself scratching my head somewhat when further reading called these kinds of social wellness clubs and experiences ‘pioneering’.

I’m asking myself in what way are they pioneering?

Just like all the aforementioned that have been around for centuries, they’re offering heat and cold experiences, a range of wellbeing treatments, a space where individuals can share ideas, foster connections, and enjoy meaningful moments.

• Is it?because they are reviving these ancient practices, in towns and cities where we’ve lost those communal experiences, by putting a modern, more attractive jacket on them??
• Is it the technology they are using, the blending of self-care with community care, or is it something else?

Your thoughts on this are always welcome.

Implications for the Hospitality and Wellness Industry

PRO FACT

Wellness is no longer seen as a solitary or routine activity but as an engaging and often social experience. This shift transforms self-care into a dynamic and interactive journey, blending wellbeing with elements of enjoyment, creativity, and connection.

PRO TIPS

For leaders and managers in the hospitality and wellness sectors, how can we make the quest for social wellbeing more accessible, meaningful, enjoyable and foster a sense of community?

There are so many things that could be done, but here are my thoughts on three things you could consider actioning to get you started:

1. Create Dedicated Social Wellbeing ?Spaces: Consider how and where you could create an inviting, non-pretentious communal area that would truly encourage and facilitate social engagement, connection, and conversations.
2. Organise Regular Talks for a low cost or no cost: For example, invite a an expert to host a discussion on traditional social wellness rituals from various cultures that would provide participants with insights into those unique experiences that emphasise the communal aspects of self-care.? This could also be tied to any in-houses experiences you offer.
3. Design Social Wellness Activities: Foster connection through group-based wellness programmes that encourage interaction and shared enjoyment.? For example; wellness mixology workshops to teach guests to craft nutritious smoothies, herbal teas, or mocktails.

Sharing meals is an age-old ritual that goes beyond sustenance to strengthen human connections. From ancient feasts to family dinners, this universal practice fosters community, belonging, and tradition, serving as a powerful symbol of care and connection.

So, for this week’s recipe I’ve gone for a Swedish Sm?rg?sbord inspired sharing platter from bestselling author and fellow nutritional therapist Amelia Freer.

“The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.”?

Mark Hyman, MD

Wishing you a prosperous and connected 2025.

Let’s keep the wave of wellness rolling, one Friday at a time.

Until next time.

Wishing you a happy and healthful weekend.

Julie