Over-Optimisation Is Over – And Joyful Rituals Are In

Earlier this summer, entrepreneur Stephen Bartlett sparked fury after claiming two glasses of wine ruined three days of his life. Everyone from Greg James to Fearne Cotton and Laura Jackson weighed in, all with a similar stance: that while monitoring our health of course has merit, the obsessive tracking of our data is taking the joy out of life. And it’s not just the celebs that feel this way, the backlash against over-optimisation has been identified as one of the top ten wellness trends for 2026 by the Global Wellness Summit. So it seems we’re falling out of love with our Oura rings – but what are people leaning towards instead when it comes to wellbeing?

The Over-Optimisation Backlash, Explained

Wellness fatigue: two words that shouldn’t really belong together, but here we are. Wellness has been commoditised and in the process its original purpose – helping us feel healthier and happier – has been lost. Much of this stems from the industry’s growing obsession with optimisation: the idea that every aspect of our lives can be upgraded, measured and fine-tuned to help us operate at the greatest level. 

Somewhere along the way, we’ve confused optimisation with wellbeing. In our pursuit of constant improvement, we’ve drifted further away from the simple habits that actually make us feel good. 

As trends researcher and strategist Jessica Smith writes: ‘What’s emerging now is not a rejection of science, but a recalibration: a shift toward regulation over results, sensation over scores, and wellbeing measured by how fully alive we feel.’ Perhaps that’s precisely what wellness needs – a shift from control to connection. While I strive to follow a healthy lifestyle, I’ve realised that healing happens through our relationships: with the natural world, the people who surround us, and ourselves. Here are four retreats and rituals that tap into a growing desire for joy, presence and belonging. 

Creative Retreats

Creative expression can act as a powerful tool to process emotions, lower cortisol levels, and connect with others. This October, Mèlisses on the Greek island of Andros will host two immersive retreats, inviting guests to explore natural dyeing, painting, cooking and writing. Designed as a meeting place for creative minds, the retreats offer space to dream, absorb inspiration from the surroundings and spend time with like-minded people. 5-6 October 2026, melissesandros.com 

Sauna Socials

For centuries, shared sauna rituals have supported mental, physical and social wellbeing across cultures, from Finland to Japan. At Babington House, the newly launched Lazy Forest reimagines this tradition with a communal wellness experience where groups of four can alternate between sauna sessions and cold plunges before gathering around the fire. The emphasis is not only on recovery but also on the restorative power of doing it together. sohohouse.com 

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Communal Movement

Whether it’s run clubs, padel, HYROX, charity challenges or the festivalisation of fitness, people are increasingly seeking movement that offers a sense of community alongside physical benefits. The success of Peligoni’s PACE wellness weeks (in October 2026 and May 2027) reflects this shift away from solitary selfimprovement. Here guests can move between group cycling, tennis, open water swimming, yoga, breathwork, creative workshops, and long-table feasts. peligoni.com

Social Rituals

Emotional stillness is difficult to find in our hustle culture. Perhaps that’s why ancient practices are finding new relevance within modern wellness. Cacao ceremonies, group meditation, sound healing and collective rituals are all growing in popularity, offering moments of reflection and connection. This October, The Collective will bring together a group of women in Menorca for four days of shared experiences and ceremonies designed to nurture mind, body and community. 12-15 October 2026, welcometothecollective.co.uk