Living in Manhattan comes with the challenge of finding time for self-care and stress relief. However, neglecting these areas can interfere with your ability to lead a fulfilling life. The City that Never Sleeps boasts an environment of constant busyness, so it’s important to remember to seek out and engage in enjoyable activities that provide respite. Here are our top five stress-relieving activity picks for women in NYC.
1. Engage your Body
Biking along the Hudson River on Manhattan’s Waterfront Greenway, which offers a dedicated bike path, is a great way to get moving while having breathtaking city views. Engaging in physical activities like biking fosters a sense of well-being and reduces stress hormones. Also, the scenery undoubtedly evokes a calming effect, especially after a busy workday.
Many Manhattan studios host a wide range of workout classes designed to alleviate the emotions associated with stress, including anger, sadness, anxiety and frustration. Consider options such as boxing at Rumble, taking a spin class at SoulCycle or practicing mindfulness at Y7 Studios. Focusing on your physical well-being at Solidcore, Barry’s or DanceBody can help keep stressful thoughts away. In addition to fitness classes, Manhattan provides a wide array of enjoyable activities that can also help you stay active. Consider rock climbing at Chelsea Piers Fitness or go bowling at Bowlero!
What’s better than reducing stress by engaging your body while enjoying some of your favorite foods? Put on your walking shoes and explore some of NYC’s famous markets. Some of our favorites are Chelsea Market, Smorgasburg, Gotham West Market, Essex Market and Industry Kitchen, especially as each one also reflects the unique characteristics of its surrounding neighborhood.
2. Daily Dose of Laughter
Consider visiting one of Manhattan’s famous comedy clubs, where you will feel the stress melt away from all of the laughter. These lively and fun clubs are a must-visit. Broadway Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, Comedy Cellar and The Pit Loft are a few popular choices. A visit to any one of these clubs will have you noticing a boost in your mood, and you may find it hard to contain your laughter. Each performance will give you a much-needed break from stress. Comedians offer various comedic styles, allowing you to explore and find the ones that resonate with your sense of humor. Round out the evening as well with a themed dinner beforehand. Among the city’s most favored themed restaurants are Ellen’s Stardust Diner, La Caverna, Soho Diner and Max Brenner.
3. Visit a Museum
A visit to a museum offers a perfect opportunity for a relaxing escape while indulging your interests, fostering a sense of connection, and reducing feelings of loneliness. NYC is home to nearly 150 museums, many of which are in Manhattan, making it easy to find one that aligns with your preferences.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Museum of Modern Art are two of the most visited museums in the world, and both are must-see institutions, but that still leaves dozens more museums in NYC to explore. No matter whether you’re interested in art, history, science, fashion, current trends or pop culture, there is at least one museum in the city that you can check out. Don’t be afraid to revisit a museum too; many of the city’s museums have rotating exhibits or are too large to be absorbed in one day. Take your pick and use your visit to clear your head, learn something new or appreciate history or the arts.
4. Participate in a Creative Class
Taking cooking classes in NYC is a perfect way to de-stress and relax. Classes allow you to explore fresh recipes and acquire new skills for recreating your favorite dishes. Whether you prefer an in-person or remote experience, or if you are looking to find a particular cuisine or discipline, plenty of options are available to try. Enrolling in cooking classes gives you the opportunity to connect with new people while enjoying hands-on guidance in a relaxed setting. Check out Taste Buds Kitchen, Eataly, Selfup and Cozymeal.
Attend a pottery class in NYC, regardless if you’re an experienced potter or a newcomer. Pottery is known to bring a sense of tranquility through its repetitive motion and artistic foundation. Explore your creative potential and take the opportunity to not only enhance your skills but also to take a break from the outside world. Allowing yourself the room to learn or refine existing skills can boost your self-esteem and alleviate stress.
Take a drawing or painting class to nurture your creative side. Classes are available at all skill levels, whether you’re looking to elevate your artistic ability or explore a new hobby. Participating in an art class provides a soothing and imaginative outlet for stress management, leaving you feeling both relaxed and stimulated.
Beauty and perfume classes are also a perfect way to unwind. These workshops not only leave you feeling beautiful and rejuvenated but also provide a delightful experience. Craft your own signature scent, master beauty techniques or create everyday products in any of these engaging classes. Workshops follow a hands-on, step-by-step approach, allowing you to delve into the creative beauty world. This time to connect with individuals who share your interest in self-care may also potentially lead to meaningful relationships.
5. Visit a Spa
Spa visits are synonymous with the chance to unwind. Manhattan also has a wealth of spas, all boasting a variety of treatments that can help you relax and lower stress hormones. Massages, facials and bath spas all trigger the release of endorphins and address both the physical and emotional aspects of stress, contributing to your overall well-being. These treatments focus on muscle relaxation, improve blood circulation and cultivate a mind-body connection. Go for a massage or facial treatment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, La Prairie Spa, Eden Med Spa or Rescue Spa. Some of the top local bath spas worth a visit are AIRE Ancient Baths, Bathhouse Williamsburg, Wall Street Bath and Mermaid Spa.
Other Therapy Services at Manhattan Wellness in Manhattan, Westchester, Brooklyn & Throughout New York
Our therapists understand that there can be a variety of different needs that arise. Apart from helping you navigate stress, our therapists also offer a variety of services to cater to your individual needs. The therapy services we offer are Anxiety Treatment, Therapy for Depression, Stress Management, and Therapy for Women. As well as Therapy for Self-Esteem, support for, body image therapy, and so much more. Do you feel like you’re not living the life you want and need to make changes? Let’s talk about it.
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