Star Bathing – The New Wellness Trend On Our 2026 Radar

Do you ever catch yourself admiring a clear night’s sky and feeling a sense of peace and tranquility was over you? Well, that feeling has a name, and happens to be a very popular wellness practice called star bathing. This star gazing practice encourages us to step outside after dark, switch off distractions and simply exist under the stars.

The practice is rooted in ideas of mindfulness rather than manifestation, and in a world of blue-light burnout it allows us to switch off from the urban world and turn our focus to nature. It’s a simple practice, with no apps or affirmations needs – just you and the stars!

So, what is star bathing? 

Star bathing takes its inspiration from Japan’s Shirin – Yokk, or forest bathing, which is another wellness trend that has seen growing popularity in recent years. The idea encourages immersing your senses in the forest to help fight stress of the modern world by shifting your focus to the distressing tree chemicals like phytoncides and allows for sensory connections.

Star bathing follows the same principles, and the idea that stars can act as a positive energy source has actually been around for years in different ancient cultures.

@beccacaddy Why is star bathing a trending wellness ritual? In an era of burnout, I think we’re all craving, awe, wonder and a little cosmic calm 🔮✨ #stargazing #starbathing #wellness #awetherapy #awe ♬ original sound – Becca Caddy

Put into practice star bathing requires you to lay in a safe environment, away from any urban and artificial light, take a deep breath, relax and focus on the stars above you – it’s that simple, but can incredible benefits for your mind and body.

But how could looking at some stars have magical benefits for my mind and body? And that’s a reasonable question to ask – so let’s take a look at how this act of mindfulness can positively impact us!

The benefits of star bathing

Star bathing has four main benefits that are both physical and mental:

Stress reduction

Experts have said that engaging in star bathing and simply taking notice of the night sky can trigger a calming response in the body. This response helps to lower cortisol levels, which are linked to stress, and can help slow down our heart rate, grounding our bodies back to relaxation.

Enhanced mental clarity

It’s hard to escape the world of blue light these days with constant exposure to it thanks to the screens that have taken over our lives. It can send us into a constant state of panic that we don’t realise is taking over. From being on constant high alert, to thoughts of self-doubt and comparison, we never rarely get a true moment of peace. The practice forbids phone and screen use, allowing you to take this time for yourself which promotes inner peace.

A new perspective

Some experts in this field have said that when you experience and take notice of something so vast, like the nights sky, it can diminish your focus on self-worth and can help put your worries into perspective. We reevaluate the thoughts that cloud our mind and feel connected to something bigger than ourselves, which ultimately can bring peace to our lives and mind.

Improved sleep quality

Struggling sleeping sometimes? You’re not alone! From accidentally falling asleep holding our phones or struggling to get to sleep after a busy workday looking at screens, we could all do with a sleep reboot! And star bathing might just be the way to do it. It’s said that by spending time in natural darkness, miles away from artificial blue light, it can help reset the body’s internal clock, meaning our brains know when to wind down and head to sleep.

Where you can try star bathing

If star bathing sounds like something you would like to try or feel you are in the need for a total detox from screens and want to reconnect with your own body again, there are a few places that offer star bathing experiences.

The Pond at Somerset in the UK, offers an experience which allows you to step into a warm and relaxing bath that overlooks a pond. In the distance is a forest of pure tranquility, with the busy urban world miles away. It’s just you and nature – no distractions. Heading to this retreat stops you from the temptations of checking your phone and can limit the thoughts and worries of the real world. It’s a safe environment to let your guard down and fully relax.

 

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And if you are looking to do something like that a little closer to home, and less outdoorsy, then the bubble domes at Finn Lough might just be the trip for you. The rooms at Finn Lough are open bubble domes, hidden in the forest, meaning you can look up at the stars from the comfort of a nice warm bed. You can still take part in the practice and absorb the benefits from the practice but from a warm environment.

But the beauty of this trend is that you don’t have to go to a retreat to get involved. You can simply do this in your own back garden, or in a safe space that you know is away from city lights. It’s fully accessibly for everyone, no matter where you live. It’s all about creating simple ways to participate in mindfulness and lowering our stress levels.

Whether this trend becomes part of your daily night routine or a rare moment of escape, this simple act of laying beneath the stars can offer something we often forget to give ourselves: quiet, perspective and a little peace!