I'm an Editor in the Busiest City in the World—Here's How I Practice Self-Care

I’m one of the nearly 8.5 million people that call New York City home. In a place where basically everyone’s working hard and playing hard, it’s very easy for me to trade self-care time for another side hustle, happy hour, or late night out (that I usually regret the next day). Over the last nine months I’ve lived here, I’ve found that I need a balanced routine with time for work, play, and relaxation. Keep reading to see the top five self-care practices I do to take care of myself in the city that never sleeps.

I always bookend my day with a morning and evening routine because even if the day is crazy, I can start and end it calmly. First thing in the morning, I hydrate with a glass of warm lemon water, take my supplements, and do a simple skincare routine. To unwind in the evening, I like to do at least one extra-special thing that makes me feel cared for and beautiful. It could be a lymphatic massage, a hair mask, one of those luxe, gold face masks, or anything that feels just a little bit extra. This daily beauty and wellness routine is a perfect way to combine self-care for the body and the mind.

New Yorkers are known for always getting their steps in. Besides being an effective mode of transportation, walking is a low-impact way to move your body, breathe in fresh air, and rejuvenate your mind. I also like to multitask by listening to a motivational podcast or catching up with a friend while going for a walk. I opt for a more scenic route; I love strolling in Central Park and admiring the lush greenery, and I also like to walk along Riverside Park for views of the Hudson River.

My end-of-week ritual goes like this: I light a candle, grab my pink journal and pink, fluffy pen, and just write. I like to reflect on how my week went, check in with how I’m feeling, set some goals for the upcoming week, and write about what I’m grateful for. As someone whose mind often runs a million miles an hour, I definitely need this time to put pen to paper and get my thoughts out. When I’m done journaling, I curl up with a book because reading brings me so much inspiration and motivation. I always feel calmer and more clear-minded after this quiet time.

I love trying different workouts, so one of my most worthwhile investments has been a Classpass membership. My favorite type of class is a low-impact, functional workout such as P.volve, and I also love reformer Pilates classes like Bodyrok and Tremble, as well as a variety of yoga styles. Depending on my schedule for the day, I’ll either do an at-home workout on my lunch break or squeeze in a class before or after work. I always finish with stretching and deep breathing to release any tension because living in this city can be stressful! Honestly, workouts have just as much of an impact on my mental health as they do on my physical health—they give me energy, provide those feel-good endorphins, and are an amazing way to make new friends.

Despite the pressure to always hustle in New York, there’s a thriving wellness scene and many spots to relax and recharge. My favorite is QC NY Spa, a calm respite tucked away on Governors Island, which is only a five-minute ferry ride from the Financial District. I love indulging in a spa day because it’s uninterrupted time for me to slow down, be present, and experience total mind and body relaxation. There’s a whole suite of amenities here: infrared beds, saunas, steam rooms, massages, and more. I love the infrared beds and saunas for the detoxification and recovery benefits. My favorite, though, is the outdoor pool—it has the most breathtaking views of Manhattan. Of course, this is more of an occasional splurge rather than a daily habit, but I do wish I could come here every day. I would definitely recommend checking out this little oasis if you need to find some peace and quiet in the big city.

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