In 2025, a significant shift is occurring in the wellness landscape as individuals increasingly seek refuge from the relentless pace of digital life. The Global Wellness Summit’s (GWS) 2025 Trends Report identifies “Analog Wellness” as the foremost trend, highlighting a collective yearning to “log off” and re-engage with pre-digital experiences as a means of self-care and community building .
The Emergence of Analog Wellness
Analog wellness represents a deliberate move away from constant digital connectivity towards activities that are tactile, sensory-rich, and grounded in the physical world. This trend encompasses practices such as journaling, nature walks, and face-to-face interactions, offering a counterbalance to the pervasive influence of screens in daily life .
Beth McGroarty, Vice President of Research at the Global Wellness Institute, describes this movement as a “great logging off” and a significant “analog-ing on,” emphasizing a growing desire to reclaim time and attention from digital devices .
The Impact of Digital Overload
The average person now consumes approximately 74 gigabytes of information daily—a volume that, centuries ago, would have spanned an entire lifetime for a highly educated individual . This constant influx of information contributes to mental fatigue, stress, and a sense of disconnection from the present moment.
In response, analog wellness practices are gaining traction as effective strategies to mitigate these effects. Engaging in screen-free activities has been shown to improve mental clarity, reduce stress, enhance sleep quality, and foster stronger interpersonal relationships .
Global Adoption and Community Initiatives
Around the world, communities and organizations are embracing analog wellness. In Calgary, the Offline Wellness Club organizes weekly runs and workshops that encourage participants to engage without digital distractions. London’s Digital Wellness & Mindful Events hosts phone-free socials and guided mindfulness sessions in nature, while Amsterdam’s The Offline Club offers “digital detox hangouts” to promote meaningful, screen-free interactions .
These initiatives reflect a broader cultural shift towards valuing presence and intentionality in daily life. By creating spaces that prioritize real-life connections, these communities are redefining social norms and fostering environments where individuals can thrive without the constant presence of technology.
Analog Wellness in the Hospitality Industry
The hospitality sector is also adapting to this trend. Resorts and retreats are incorporating analog wellness into their offerings by creating environments that encourage guests to disconnect from digital devices. For instance, Six Senses Hotels and Resorts have partnered with YONDR to provide phone-free spaces, allowing guests to experience the benefits of being fully present without the interruption of notifications .
Similarly, hike-in lodges across the United States, such as LeConte Lodge in Tennessee and the Hike Inn in Georgia, offer accommodations without WiFi or cell service, promoting activities like reading, puzzles, and board games to facilitate genuine relaxation and connection with nature .
Governmental and Corporate Responses
Recognizing the importance of digital well-being, some governments are implementing policies to support analog wellness. In Australia, new legislation grants employees the “right to disconnect,” allowing them to refuse work-related communications outside of office hours. Additionally, the age limit for creating social media accounts has been raised to 16 to protect young minds from the potential negative impacts of early digital exposure .
Corporations are also acknowledging the benefits of analog practices. Companies are designing low-tech retreat spaces and encouraging employees to schedule device-free time, recognizing that such measures can enhance mental clarity and overall productivity .
The Future of Wellness
As the analog wellness movement gains momentum, it signifies a broader reevaluation of how individuals interact with technology. By intentionally incorporating screen-free activities into daily routines, people are seeking to restore balance, foster deeper connections, and enhance their overall well-being.
This trend underscores a growing awareness of the need to create spaces—both physical and temporal—that allow for genuine human experiences unmediated by digital devices. As society continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, the principles of analog wellness offer a pathway to a more mindful and connected existence.
