Why Wellness Socialising Is the New Going Out: A Guide to Rituals, Community & Health-First Hangouts
Share
Across the UK and beyond, a quiet cultural shift is happening. More people are choosing weekend hikes over late nights, matcha meet-ups over bar crawls, and calm rituals at home instead of overstimulating plans. This movement has a name: wellness socialising.
Fuelled by post-pandemic lifestyle shifts, a growing focus on mental health, and the rise of functional foods and adaptogens, wellness socialising brings community and wellbeing together. It isn’t about strict routines or withdrawing from others—it’s about connecting in ways that support how you want to feel the next day. For DIRTEA, a brand built on ritual and presence, this movement reflects the essence of modern community: shared moments, slower living, nourishing practices and a softer, more intentional way of coming together.
What Exactly is Wellness Socialising?
Wellness socialising prioritises connection that feels good, not draining. It blends community with intention, presence and personal well-being.
It can include:
- Morning walks
- Matcha meet-ups
- At-home cacao nights
- Creative gatherings
- Breathwork circles
- Minimal-stimulation hangouts
- Cooking evenings
- Book clubs
- Community movement sessions
It’s not about perfection. It’s about choosing social moments that align with how you want to feel—calm, energised, connected.
At DIRTEA, we’ve embraced this shift through our own community rituals.
Our DIRTEA Reset Club has brought people together for grounding breathwork sessions and even a high-vibe Sauna Rave, where the community gathered to unwind, reset, dance and reconnect in a truly unique wellness setting. These moments show how wellness socialising can be both calming and energising — a new way of coming together that supports mind, body and community.
Why Wellness Socialising is Rising Right Now
1. A response to burnout culture
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive reported that in 2021/22, an estimated 914,000 people experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety, leading to around 17 million lost working days—over half of all days lost to work-related ill health. As workloads grow and the pace of life accelerates, people are looking for social experiences that restore rather than drain.
2. Sober-curious culture is booming
The sober-curious movement is expanding rapidly. Nearly half of UK adults who drink alcohol (48%) plan to stop or reduce their drinking in the next year, according to new Aviva research. Low-to-no alcohol drink sales rose more than 10% year-on-year in 2024. This shift doesn’t mean avoiding social life—it means reimagining it.
3. Community is now a wellbeing essential
The World Health Organization recognises social connection as a core element of mental wellbeing. After years of remote working and isolation, people are gravitating toward meaningful, slow and intentional togetherness.
4. Functional foods are fuelling the trend
Grand View Research estimates the global functional food market size at USD 329.65 billion in 2023. Rising demand for nutrient-rich food due to hectic lifestyles and increased consumer awareness of the health advantages of these functional foods is expected to drive market growth. As these foods become everyday staples, they naturally enter social life too.
The Science Behind Social Rituals
Rituals strengthen connection
Studies show shared rituals enhance bonding, trust and cooperation—even when the ritual is simple.
Calmer environments reduce stress
Quiet, mindful social settings activate the parasympathetic nervous system (your “rest and digest” mode), supporting calmer moods and better sleep.
Meaningful connection protects health
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that among 4,211 adults, loneliness and depression were moderately linked, with those scoring higher for loneliness consistently showing greater depressive symptoms over time.
Wellness socialising is a natural solution: connection without the burnout.
How to Build Wellness Socialising into Your Life
1. Start a Morning Ritual Club
Invite a friend to join your morning routine—whether that’s journaling, a walk or sharing a DIRTEA Mushroom Matcha before work.
2. Host a Calm Evening at Home
Swap takeaway nights for:
- Reishi cacao
- A cosy film
- Light stretching
- Meditation
- Cooking whole-food meals together
- A warm DIRTEA Reishi ritual helps anchor the evening without overstimulation.
3. Swap Drink Dates for Functional Mushroom Rituals
- Replace cocktails with:
- Mushroom Matcha
- Lion’s Mane lattes
- Chaga shots
- Cordyceps-infused smoothies
- Reishi cacao mugs
- These moments preserve the social element without caffeine crashes or alcohol pressure.
4. Create Connection Through Food
Cook together, meal prep together, share nourishing dishes and try new recipes as a group ritual.
5. Build or Join a Wellness Community
Running clubs, yoga groups, book circles, sound baths and cold-water clubs are becoming the new social hubs.
How DIRTEA Rituals Fit Naturally into Wellness Socialising
DIRTEA sits at the centre of wellness socialising because each product is designed to create a moment—a pause in your day shared with yourself or others.
Morning Rituals
- Lion’s Mane Focus Powder for clarity and creativity
- DIRTEA Matcha for smooth, balanced energy
Perfect for co-working mornings, creative meet-ups or pre-walk beverages.
Midday Rituals
- Chaga Immunity Powder for grounding
- Cordyceps Performance Powder for movement and stamina
- Ideal for lunch breaks, walking clubs or gym partners.
Evening Rituals
- Reishi Calm Powder
- DIRTEA Cacao
Perfect for at-home wellness gatherings, film nights or soothing catch-ups.
Join the Movement — Socialise the DIRTEA Way
Wellness socialising isn’t just a trend. It’s a shift in how we choose to connect: slower, softer, more mindful and more nourishing.
DIRTEA is building a community around these values—through rituals, events and shared moments. If you want to become part of this growing movement, you can:
- Follow DIRTEA on Instagram for upcoming events, wellness circles, workshops and ritual-led meetups.
- Subscribe to the DIRTEA newsletter from the website for early access to gatherings, exclusive content and monthly ritual inspiration you can share with friends.
It’s an easy way to fold more connection into your routine—one cup, one moment, one ritual at a time.
Final Thoughts
The future of socialising is changing. Instead of high-intensity plans that leave you drained, people are choosing connection that supports clarity, calm and wellbeing. With thoughtful rituals and a supportive community, wellness socialising can become a grounding anchor in your life—and DIRTEA is here to help shape that journey.
FAQs:
What exactly is wellness socialising?
Wellness socialising is a gentler, health-focused way of connecting with others. Instead of meeting in overstimulating spaces, it centres around activities that support wellbeing—like morning walks, matcha meet-ups, cacao evenings, movement clubs, or creative gatherings.
Why is wellness socialising becoming so popular?
People are feeling more burnt out than ever, with UK stress levels at record highs. At the same time, the sober-curious movement is growing, and many want social plans that leave them feeling energised, not depleted. Wellness socialising offers connection and restoration, making it an easy cultural shift.
Does wellness socialising mean giving up going out?
Not at all. It simply broadens what “going out” can look like. You can still enjoy cafés, group classes, dinners or events—just with a focus on wellbeing, balance and environments that support how you want to feel the next day.
How can I start wellness socialising if my friends aren’t into it yet?
Keep it simple. Suggest:
- a morning walk instead of a late dinner
- a matcha or Lion’s Mane latte meet-up
- a cosy night in with Reishi cacao
-
trying a new class together
Most people welcome calmer alternatives once they try them.
Can wellness socialising still be fun?
Absolutely. Many people find it more enjoyable because there’s less pressure, better conversation, and a more present, relaxed atmosphere. It’s socialising that supports your energy—rather than costing it.
How do DIRTEA products fit into wellness socialising?
DIRTEA powders naturally create moments of connection:
- Lion’s Mane or Matcha for morning meet-ups
- Chaga for midday grounding gatherings
- Reishi or Reishi Cacao for calm evening rituals
- They anchor the moment, helping groups slow down, savour, and connect more intentionally.
Where can I find wellness social gatherings near me?
Follow @dirteaworld on Instagram for updates on upcoming events, community gatherings and wellness-led workshops. You can also subscribe to the DIRTEA newsletter for early access to upcoming rituals and meet-ups.
Can I create my own wellness ritual with friends?
Yes—this is where the trend shines. You can host a Reishi cacao night, start a weekly morning matcha walk, create a Sunday reset routine together, or make a monthly cooking night. The simpler the ritual, the more sustainable it becomes.
Is wellness socialising just another trend?
All signs point to it being a long-term shift. Rising health awareness, reduced alcohol consumption, and the growth of functional foods suggest people are rethinking socialising—not rejecting it. Wellness-focused connection simply reflects what many now prioritise: energy, clarity, balance and community.
How do I make wellness socialising part of my weekly routine?
Anchor it to habits you already have. For example:
- Matcha Mondays with a friend
- Midweek walk-and-talk
- Friday night Reishi ritual at home
- Weekend morning movement meet-up
Small rituals—done consistently—become the foundation of lasting, uplifting social connection.
References
Health and Safety Executive. (2022). Work-related stress, depression or anxiety statistics in Great Britain: 2021/22. https://hcssafety.co.uk/news/hse-health-and-safety-at-work-stats-for-2021-2022/
Aviva plc. (2024, October 23). Nearly half of UK drinkers plan to reduce their alcohol intake over the next year. https://www.aviva.co.uk/health/health-products/health-insurance/knowledge-centre/brits-alcohol-research/
Grand View Research. (2024). Functional foods market size & trends analysis report, 2024-2030. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/functional-food-market
Lee, S. L., Pearce, E., Ajnakina, O., Johnson, S., Lewis, G., & Mann, F., et al. (2021). The association between loneliness and depressive symptoms among adults aged 50 years and older: A 12-year population-based cohort study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(1), 48–57. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(20)30383-7/fulltext
