The busy holiday season is on the horizon, so now is a good time to think about heading off end-of-year stress with some relaxing activities! Whether you prefer reading, floating or working out, there are lots of ways to calm the mind and body and refresh the spirit before the rush hits. Step away from your phone and computer, and reboot your mental processes with a little constructive downtime.
float therapy
Float therapy, now gaining popularity in the St. Louis area at places like Radiance Float + Wellness, uses 1,000 pounds of magnesiumrich Epsom salts to keep the user afloat during an hourlong session in a skin-temperature environment. The deep relaxation therapy promotes stress reduction, better sleep and cognitive function, and can help decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Floating can be helpful for almost anyone, especially those with fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression and other conditions, following clearance by a doctor.
working out
A 20-minute workout each day can help improve health and reduce stress, boosting both mood and outlook. Places like The Exercise Coach offer a ‘boutique’ experience with a data-driven, 20-minute session. A consistent commitment to exercise also may decrease anxiety and depression and improve sleep. People of all ages and fitness levels can use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better both mentally and physically.
art classes and workshops
Nothing clears the mind like a little hands-on creative expression. To help your thought processes reset, consider taking an art class or workshop at Craft Alliance. It offers adult courses in subjects like clay, felting, glass beadmaking, creative folding and portrait drawing.
himalayan salt therapy
PALM Health’s custom-built Himalayan salt room allows guests to de-stress by breathing in purified, ionized salt particles. The vapors can help open up airways, allowing for deep breathing and relaxation. The therapy can be useful for people with seasonal allergies, asthma or chronic congestion, or those who just want to unwind and relieve stress.
walking and hiking
Getting some exercise while reconnecting with nature is a great way to refocus and relax the mind. Powder Valley Conservation and Nature Center in Kirkwood is a great option. Its 112 acres of scenery includes three trails, one of which is disabled-accessible and features interpretive signage. Naturalists lead programs on a number of conservation topics.
a good book
Doro Otterman’s Ups & Downs, A Journal for Good and NotSo-Good Days is a helpful tool to clear your head through creative writing. Adult coloring books can help relax the mind as well. Left Bank Books also recommends humorist David Sedaris’ new volume, Theft by Finding: Diaries 1977-2002, for some therapeutic laughter.