On a Monday afternoon at Othership in New York City, a group of 60 individuals gathers in a room equipped with swimsuits, water bottles, and a shared commitment to personal growth. They are here for a unique experience known as “Hardwiring Happiness” that combines hot and cold therapies to enhance longevity, along with the power of communal participation. The session begins with a 20-minute sauna session, preparing participants for the main attraction: a two-minute plunge into North America’s coldest commercial ice baths. The experience concludes in the comforting warmth of an infrared sauna, where attendees reflect on how the session has influenced their sense of joy and resilience. Many find the support and encouragement from their peers to be transformative. One regular attendee mentioned how the solidarity of fellow ice bath participants not only helped her get through the challenge but also boosted her confidence to face life’s obstacles with newfound strength.
Othership is just one of the many social wellness clubs popping up to cater to city-dwellers interested in the latest trends in longevity, emotional well-being, and socializing without alcohol. THE WELL in New York City offers group activities like breathwork, meditation, and sound baths to create a shared environment for its members. Exclusive events such as support circles and expert talks provide opportunities for individuals to connect with like-minded people on their wellness journeys. This trend is not limited to New York, as cities like Chicago, Orlando, and West Hollywood also boast wellness clubs that offer trendy treatments and spaces designed for social interactions.
But are these clubs a shortcut to a longer life or simply a luxury option for health-conscious urbanites? According to experts cited by Hone Health, it can be both. The link between social wellness and longevity is evident in these clubs’ focus on human connection as a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. Research has shown that social interactions can improve happiness and extend lifespan, with loneliness being linked to a higher risk of premature death.
In a society where socialization has been on the decline, exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for meaningful face-to-face interactions is more pressing than ever. Clinical psychologist Anna Kress, Psy.D., emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships in managing stress and anxiety, pointing out that positive social interactions can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps reduce stress levels. Furthermore, studies have shown that lacking social relationships can impact mortality risk as significantly as smoking and alcohol consumption, even more so than factors like physical inactivity or obesity.
Social wellness clubs provide a variety of amenities and services aimed at promoting well-being and community engagement. By fostering connections and providing spaces for self-care and socialization, these clubs offer a holistic approach to health that may contribute to a longer, healthier life.
The benefits of longevity are enhanced when done in a group setting. Cold plunging, known for combating inflammation, has gained popularity for its potential recovery benefits. Experts suggest that exposure to cold water may also contribute to longevity by reducing inflammation. Sitting in an ice bath post-workout causes blood vessels to constrict, aiding in the reduction of inflammation and swelling, which are common factors in chronic health conditions such as arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
Research conducted by Dr. Mark Harper and his team on outdoor swimmers revealed that cold water swimming helped manage conditions like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation. Further studies indicate that cold water immersion can potentially reduce insulin resistance and treat chronic autoimmune inflammation.
Saunas, in addition to promoting sweating, have been linked to longevity. Both traditional and infrared dry saunas have shown benefits for heart health, reducing stroke risk and high blood pressure. Regular sauna sessions have been associated with a lower risk of stroke and heart disease-related mortality. Saunas have also been linked to a decreased risk of dementia.
Engaging in communal activities like group cold plunging and sauna bathing can provide not only physical benefits but also psychological advantages. Witnessing others endure challenging activities can motivate individuals to push their limits and achieve similar goals, known as the ‘Bannister effect.’
Mindfulness practices like group meditation and sound baths are effective in reducing stress and improving mental well-being. These practices can help regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation. Studies have shown that activities like sound baths and meditation can significantly reduce tension, improve mood, and counter the effects of chronic stress linked to various health conditions.
Tension, cardiovascular disease, and premature aging can all be significant health concerns, but engaging in group sessions involving practices such as synchronized breathing and chanting may amplify their beneficial effects. Research indicates that these activities have the potential to foster unity among participants, thereby reducing stress more effectively compared to practicing alone.
While social wellness clubs offer opportunities for individuals to enhance their well-being, they may not be accessible to everyone. These clubs are often exclusive, primarily situated in major cities and accompanied by high membership fees. For instance, monthly access to sauna and ice bath classes at Othership costs $333, while some clubs charge nearly $3,000 per month for full access to their amenities. Sociologist Anna Akbari, Ph.D., characterizes membership in such clubs as a “wealth flex,” drawing a parallel to the status symbol of designer handbags in our modern era.
Moreover, the advanced technological facilities and somatic classes commonly available at social wellness clubs may not cater to everyone’s preferences. As therapist Kress points out, individuals with a history of trauma may find meditation sessions to be triggering rather than calming. Therefore, it is advisable to attend a few classes before committing fully to ensure compatibility with the treatments offered.
Akbari emphasizes that merely attending social wellness clubs is insufficient to cultivate meaningful connections that contribute to holistic health. She notes that despite the potential for meeting new people, individuals often remain within their social circles, failing to expand their networks. To truly benefit from these clubs, one must be open to forging genuine connections with others, whether during communal activities or informal gatherings.
Overcoming social anxiety can present a challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for personal growth. Kress suggests that participating in a supportive environment without pressure to perform can serve as a healthy means to step outside one’s comfort zone. However, it is acceptable to prioritize solitary self-care over social interactions, as individual preferences vary. Just as some individuals excel in group fitness settings, others may find solace in pursuing wellness practices independently.
Enjoying the advantages of a social wellness club need not come at a substantial cost. Social wellness, centered on nurturing healthy and supportive relationships, can be fostered without the constraints of a monthly membership fee. Local cold-water swim clubs and ice bath clubs provide a communal setting for experiencing cold-water immersion, fostering social connections without the financial burden. Harper suggests leveraging social media platforms and community groups like Swimmable Cities to locate such inclusive communities easily.
According to Hussain, engaging in aerobic exercise with like-minded individuals is a cost-effective way to reap the health benefits of social interaction. Joining a local running or cycling club can offer both physical activity and social engagement, promoting camaraderie and accountability. Alternatively, meeting friends for brisk walks several times a week can also facilitate meaningful connections. Such encounters may even lead to the formation of meditation support groups, where participants can engage in guided breathing exercises together.
In conclusion, prioritizing social wellness is essential for overall health and well-being, regardless of financial
