The 6 ‘Alternative’ Wellness Rituals to Go Mainstream in 2025
As we step into 2025, the world of wellness continues to evolve. It is an exciting space. Longevity feels like the big focus.
What we see happening in 2025 is a stripping back of health, kinda back to basics. Simple practices, big results.
These alternative wellness practices might seem unconventional now, but they’re on the brink of mainstream adoption for a reason: they address modern health challenges while contributing to overall well-being.
This change stems from a cultural shift. A shift where we have started to question the products that have been spread across our Instagram algorithms from influencers and celebrities alike, those that advertise products that ‘increase productivity’ or ‘enhance skin’ or ‘reduce ageing.’ These clickbait headlines are often the thing that can get us in to hot water and today, we’re here to focus on wellness that actually works.
Longevity is a big focus, a big buzz word. And a lot of people are waking up to what products they are using daily like skincare, foods and even clothing that migh be negatively impacting health in a large way.
So here are the six wellness rituals predicted to make waves in 2025 (with a lot of reputable people already posting about them) and why they deserve your attention. You saw it here first.
Top Alternative Wellness Rituals To Go Mainstream 2025
1. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Let’s talk about screens. They’re everywhere, and chances are, you’re staring at one right now. Duh.
But all that screen time comes at a cost. Blue light from digital devices disrupts your sleep cycle, leading to restless nights and groggy mornings.
Over time, it can even affect your mental clarity and long-term health. Enter blue light blocking glasses, a simple, stylish solution to a modern problem.
These glasses filter out the harmful wavelengths of blue light, allowing your body to naturally produce melatonin as the evening progresses. The result? Better sleep, improved focus, and a calmer mind.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms found that blue light exposure at night suppresses melatonin production and disrupts circadian rhythms, so reducing this exposure can make a huge difference.
It’s not just about sleep; it’s about reclaiming control in an always-on world. Dr Andrew Huberman recently announced his new brand, Roka specialising in premium blue light blocking glasses. And I mean, everything he touches turns to gold so, we’re in.
2. Mouth Tape
Here’s a question: Are you breathing wrong while you sleep? It’s hard to say, but your partner has probably mentioned it a few times already. If you’re waking up with a dry mouth or feeling inexplicably tired, the answer could be yes.
Mouth breathing is more than just a bad habit—it can disrupt oxygen flow, lead to snoring, and even compromise your sleep quality. Some say mouth breathing is the new smoking, and if you have a habit of doing both you can have some big wins here this year with your health.
Mouth tape might sound odd, but it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to optimise their sleep. The first few nights often feel uncomfortable taping your lips shut, but once you push past the initial stages, those morning wake-ups where you feel refreshed and like you actually rested, will all be worth it.
By gently encouraging nasal breathing, mouth tape ensures better oxygen exchange and more restorative rest. Don’t worry, you won’t suffocate like a lot of people are scared of doing when they haven’t tried it before. The urge to breath will wake you up if things get a little too blocked up.
Nasal breathing also filters and humidifies the air you inhale, providing benefits for both your respiratory and immune systems.
Research has linked nasal breathing to improved oxygen saturation levels and reduced sleep disturbances, making this a wellness hack worth trying. It’s a simple fix for a profound problem.
Pro tip: Start small. Just a small bit of tape over the middle of your top and bottom lip, leaving both the corners of your mouth slightly open will allow you to slowly warm up to the feeling.
3. Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water
Think your tap water is clean? Think again. Most municipal water supplies contain a cocktail of contaminants—microplastics, heavy metals, and chlorine—that you’d rather not ingest.
Even bottled water isn’t immune, often containing similar impurities along with the environmental cost of single-use plastic. In fact, bottled water is probably one of the worst culprits and the first thing you should be ditching to minimise your microplastic intake.
Reverse osmosis filtration changes the game by removing these unwanted substances, leaving you with ultra-pure, clean water. Those standard filters just don’t cut it unfortunately. and if you are worried about space there are some pretty good bench top versions of the reverse osmosis systems that don’t take up too much space.
This isn’t just about taste (although it’s noticeably better). Clean water supports everything from better digestion to improved cellular function.
Reverse osmosis systems effectively eliminate pollutants that could otherwise strain your body’s detox systems like chlorine, fluoride and forever chemicals like PFAS that can negatively affect hormone and reproductive function . It’s a small change that makes a big impact on your health.
4. Beef Tallow for Skin
When it comes to skincare, less is more. As has always been the case but large brands would like you to think otherwise.
Your skin is your biggest organ and many commercial products are packed with synthetic chemicals that strip your skin’s [biggest organ’s] natural barrier, leaving it dry and irritated. Not good. Beef tallow, on the other hand, is an all-natural alternative that works with your skin, not against it.
People are going back to basics big time with skin care.
Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, tallow deeply nourishes and hydrates, repairing damage and restoring balance. Its composition closely mimics the oils your skin naturally produces, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.
Unlike many modern products, it’s free from fragrances and toxins, aligning perfectly with the zero-toxin wellness movement. A study published in Dermatologic Therapy supports the use of animal-derived fats for skin barrier repair and hydration. It’s time to ditch the marketing fluff and ingredients lists that you can’t even pronounce and embrace simplicity.
5. Chewing Mastic Gum
Chewing gum as a wellness ritual? It’s more revolutionary than it sounds. Trust us.
Mastic gum, harvested from the resin of the mastic tree, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for everything from oral health to digestion.
But why is it making a comeback now?
Modern diets and habits have left many of us with weaker jaw muscles, poor oral hygiene, and digestive issues.
Many chewing gums contain potentially harmful additives like artificial sweeteners (e.g., aspartame) that may cause digestive issues or headaches, titanium dioxide linked to inflammation risks, and BHT, a preservative under scrutiny for possible endocrine-disrupting effects.
Synthetic dyes and gum bases derived from plastics can pose long-term health concerns, while sugar alcohols like sorbitol may trigger bloating when over-consumed. Choosing natural, additive-free gum is a safer option to avoid these risks.
Mastic gum tackles all of these at once. Its natural antibacterial properties help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, improving gum health and freshening breath. It also strengthens the jaw and promotes saliva production, which is key for digestion.
6. Ice Baths
Ready to embrace the cold? Ice baths have gone from an athlete’s recovery tool to a mainstream wellness trend, and for good reason. To be fair, they are already pretty mainstream, but you will see more and more people setting up home ice baths for daily use as part of their standard health routines.
They’re a powerful way to reset your body and mind, offering benefits that extend far beyond the physical.
The cold exposure triggers a cascade of health benefits: reduced inflammation, improved circulation, and a significant boost in endorphins. It’s also a mental challenge that builds resilience, teaching you to stay calm under stress.
One of the most exciting discoveries discussed in Winter Swimming by Susanna Søeberg is the role of cold shock proteins. Søeberg explains, “Cold exposure activates cold shock proteins, which help repair cells and protect the brain from degeneration. This has significant implications for long-term brain health and resilience.”
In addition to enhancing cellular repair, ice baths offer well-established cardiovascular benefits. As Søeberg notes, “Regular cold exposure strengthens the cardiovascular system by improving blood flow and encouraging the development of brown fat, which helps the body regulate temperature and burn energy efficiently.” These benefits extend beyond physical health, with studies showing that cold water immersion can elevate dopamine levels by up to 250%, resulting in a lasting boost in mood, focus, and overall mental clarity.
Cold water immersion also trains the autonomic nervous system to manage stress better, a concept Søeberg highlights as “hormesis,” where controlled exposure to stressors like cold water makes the body more adaptable to challenges. This growing awareness of the physical and mental benefits of ice baths is driving their transition from niche recovery methods to a widely adopted wellness ritual.
Whether for faster recovery, stress relief, or long-term health, ice baths offer a simple yet powerful way to optimise well-being. As more people embrace this practice, 2025 could mark the year cold immersion takes its rightful place in mainstream health routines.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable—but that’s part of the magic. The hardest part is stepping in; the best part is how you feel afterward.
In 2025 Wellness Looks Natty
These alternative wellness rituals are more than trends—they’re practical, effective solutions to the challenges of modern living.
Whether it’s improving sleep with blue light blockers, boosting hydration with reverse osmosis water, or building resilience with ice baths, each of these practices offers profound benefits for overall health and well-being.
As 2025 unfolds, now is the perfect time to experiment with these rituals and see how they fit into your lifestyle. The beauty of wellness is that it’s personal, and even small changes can have a big impact.
Which of these practices will you try first? The future of your health is in your hands.
