10 Nature-Based Wellness Rituals Taking Off in 2025
Today, more people are stepping away from screens and walls and heading into the wild for something deeper. We like to think of it as wellness without walls.
Outdoor wellness practices are booming globally, especially in destinations such as Costa Rica, where it is almost impossible to separate natural immersion from daily life. These activities and practices go beyond the usual approaches to self-care. They restore, awaken and reconnect. Whether you’re ready to book your dream escape, enhance your morning routine, or simply incorporate new methods into a holistic lifestyle, here are 10 of our favorite, and fastest-growing outdoor wellness rituals – and why they're taking off in 2025.
1. Forest bathing for mental clarity
More than just a walk in the woods, forest bathing (from the Japanese practice Shinrin-yoku) is about slowing down, tuning into your senses, and letting the natural world recalibrate your nervous system. Studies have shown this can reduce cortisol levels, improve mood, and even support immune function.
Costa Rica, with its lush rainforests and abundant biodiversity, is a dream setting for this simple, powerful practice – and something we like to take advantage of every day.
2. Journaling outdoors for emotional release
Writing in nature is an underrated mental wellness tool. As expected, when you're surrounded by birdsong and fresh air, thoughts and emotions often flow more freely. Whether you're processing, planning or simply letting words land on the page, outdoor journaling is a gentle way to release stress and gain clarity while getting all the usual benefits of being out in nature.
3. Cold plunging for natural recovery
Once limited to elite athletes and wellness obsessives, cold plunges are now more mainstream, and we couldn’t be happier. It doesn’t just build resilience; it boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and delivers a powerful dopamine hit.
Whether it’s in a designated cryotherapy tub or taking a plunge in a river, ocean or natural waterfall, enjoy the blissful serotonin boost. Ahhhh.
4. Sweating together in community saunas
Sweating it out is no longer a solo act. Community saunas — especially those set in natural surroundings — are becoming hubs of warmth, recovery and connection. They encourage conversation, reflection, and a deep post-sweat calm. It’s the perfect place to unwind.
Bonus: Pair with a cold plunge for the ultimate hot-cold therapy circuit. Your body will thank you.
5. Surfing as moving meditation
Surfing is far more than a sport; it’s a full-body ritual that builds strength, presence and connection. Reading the ocean, methodically paddling out, and patiently waiting for the perfect wave all demand total focus, making it one of the most powerful forms of moving meditation.
At Surf Synergy, beginner-friendly waves and one-on-one expert, encouraging coaches make this ritual accessible, even for those who have never set foot on a board (as is the case with about 85 percent of our guests). Guests leave stronger in body, and quieter in mind. Curious to try it? Learn more about our fully customizable, all-inclusive surf & wellness experiences.
6. Deep breathing - beachside
In recent years, breathwork has gained huge popularity, and taking it to the beach for the benefits of the salt air makes it even more potent. Practicing rhythmic breathing with the sound of waves and the warmth of the sun enhances emotional release and physical relaxation. It’s one of the quickest ways to shift your state of mind without needing any gear at all. Simply take a breath and feel the calm pass through you.
7. Flowing freely with outdoor functional movement
Functional movement, primal play and “animal flow” are part of a new wave of fitness that trades machines for natural surfaces and intuitive motion. These practices build real-world strength, flexibility and body awareness without the rigid structure of traditional workouts. Think instinctive motion that takes place outdoors – bear crawls, climbing trees or balancing on rocks, all simple yet effective ways to build strength for surfing, and life.
8. Wild swimming for joy and vitality
Wild swimming taps into our most primal instincts. Freedom, movement, and full-body sensory immersion. It’s refreshing, mood-lifting, and super energizing. From jungle lagoons to waterfall pools, Costa Rica offers the kind of wild water that’s both invigorating and just plain fun.
Even just a short swim in natural water has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve cardiovascular health.
9. Rewilding through ecotherapy adventures
Whether it’s a guided hike, a horseback ride in the forest or along with beach, or ziplining through the canopy, ecotherapy is about healing through connection with the land. These outdoor experiences provide both a dopamine rush and a deeper grounding.
At Surf Synergy, partial and full-day excursions help guests explore Costa Rica’s wild beauty. It’s not just about adrenaline – it’s about rediscovering awe.
10. Starting still with silent sunrise rituals
Sunrise rituals, like early morning yoga or seated meditation, offer a moment of quiet intention before the day begins. Practicing at first light helps regulate our circadian rhythm, calm the mind, and create a sense of spaciousness.
At our place, sunrise sessions are a guest favorite. Whether flowing through gentle yoga postures or simply watching the sky change colors in silence, it’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful rituals are the quietest.
