Spa trends: Liberated wellness

One of the wellbeing trends highlighted by Spa Business this year was described as 'Liberated Wellness', which is a term we absolutely love because it throws off the shackles of what wellbeing should look like and embraces a whole world of what it can be. So, what exactly is it?

Wellbeing that's a scream

Building on the continually growing trend for wild swimming and other outdoor experiences, within liberated wellbeing they talk about practices like scream therapy, which is exactly what it sounds like, and other more familiar wellbeing practices like breathwork.

They write: "Wild wellness is experiencing a surge as consumers seek transformative experiences that allow them to authentically connect with their raw emotions. These experiences foster both physical and mental wellbeing and are aiding in the healing process of lingering pandemic-induced trauma."

They continue: "Scream therapy, now offered at Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the UK, is just one example. Its aim is to provide individuals with a cathartic outlet to release pent-up emotions and alleviate stress by engaging in resounding screams within a therapeutic environment. According to spa manager Lorela Movileano, the 400-acre private woodland surrounding the hotel has been curated into a haven where guests can unapologetically express their emotions. Indonesia has also begun to embrace this trend, sometimes referring to it as catharsis therapy, which may involve screaming, crying or rage room therapy."

Wild wellness from infrared saunas to forest bathing

A lot of the wellness trends that come into this have been around for centuries. Forest bathing, mindfulness, yoga, and other movement-based forms of wellbeing, all offer the opportunity to get back into your body, reconnect with nature and ultimately, let go of whatever it is we're holding onto.

Helena Skoog who runs a forest bathing retreat at Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa in Sussex is a passionate advocate of being amongst nature, saying: "For me, forest bathing is like a conversation or a relationship with the natural world. The longer I’m here the better and deeper that conversation gets."

A lot of this isn't new information, but sometimes we need reminding of the things we already know. There's a world of exciting tech opportunities when it comes to wellbeing, and those are amazing to be a part of. However, they're not for everyone and they're not for everyone all the time.

We know that nature is essential to our health, and remembering that is a powerful piece of knowledge when it comes to finding what works for us at any given moment, and perhaps worrying a little less about what it looks like on Instagram.

Spa Business writes: "This emphasis on liberated wellness signifies a shift in consumer mindset, where the focus is not solely on feeling good, but also on embracing the journey – regardless of appearance."

After all, wellbeing is ever-changing, and needs different things at different moments. Sometimes, it turns out, we simply need to scream into the forest.