PSST… 15 Ways to Practice Self Care + Wellness in Denver

The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection, where we set goals and intentions for the months ahead. While many of us may set financial and professional goals for ourselves, don’t forget to focus on your own self care, too! 

In an increasingly fast-paced world of technology and hectic schedules, it’s important to slow down a bit and focus on your overall mental health and wellness. From relaxing treatments and personal care products to new classes and sweet treats, there are so many ways to practice self care in the Denver area. If you’re looking for a way to jump start your year, try one or more of the activities listed below!

 

Get a Massage at Woodhouse Day Spa

There’s nothing that says “self care” quite like a relaxing, rejuvenating massage. And there’s no better place to get a massage than Woodhouse Day Spa. In fact, they were named America’s Favorite Day Spa for 2019! When you enter Woodhouse Day Spa, you’re treated to a luxurious robe and reflexology sandals before you relax in their Quiet Room with a cup of specialty loose-leaf tea. Choose from their wide variety of massage services, from a quick reflexology foot massage to their signature 80-minute four-handed massage.

 

Buy Yourself a New Plant at ReRoot

Photo courtesy of ReRoot

Bring the outdoors in by splurging on a new plant for your home! Surrounding yourself with greenery can be calming and soothing — plus, many plant varieties can help purify the surrounding air, helping to improve your overall wellness. Their current home is located in Modern Nomad, a design collective comprised of various vendors in RiNo. However, they are planning to relocate in February 2020 just a few short blocks away to 1218 34th Street.

 

Treat Yourself to a HydraFacial MD™ at Studio Urban Max

For glowing, and more importantly, healthy skin, treat yourself to a HydraFacial MD™ at Studio Urban Max, a waxing and skincare studio with two locations in the Denver area. This soothing, moisturizing and non-invasive skincare treatment delivers instant results with no discomfort or downtime. The 30-minute treatment combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and hydration, while also delivering antioxidants, Hyaluronic Acid, peptides and other essential nutrients to your skin. If you’re a first-time guest at Studio Urban Max, you can receive a 50% off coupon by entering your email on their HydraFacial page. Plus, no tipping is required!

 

Join a Sports League through Meet. Play. Chill.

Expand your social network while getting a workout at the same time. It’s no secret that Denver is an active city, and there are several sport leagues you can join to stay active all year long. If you miss being part of a team and the camaraderie that comes along with it, sign up for one of the many leagues available through Meet. Play. Chill. Whether you’re interested in a weekly league or just want to drop-in on a game here or there, they offer volleyball, softball, dodgeball, flag football and more. They also host regular social events so you can meet other like-minded Denverites!

 

Try Something New

It’s never too late to learn a new skill. And a new year (and new decade!) is the perfect time to start. We’re fortunate to live in an entrepreneurial and creative city, so take advantage of it by taking a class or course you’re interested in. Try a floral arrangement class at Ladybird Poppy, take a full-time coding course at General Assembly, or learn a new language at The Language School. The possibilities are endless — all you need to do is take the first step!

 

Practice Meditation at Mayu®

Photo courtesy of Mayu®

Meditation is the practice of mindfulness and is a great way to incorporate self care into your morning routine. By focusing on breathing techniques, you can decrease distractions, stress or anxiety, and restlessness from your mind. Mayu® is community-owned and offers a quiet space for rest, reflection and connection. Whether you’re new to meditation or you meditate regularly, Mayu® has a class to fit your needs. They also offer walk-in visits to their Meditation Den, where you can practice independently in a peaceful space with a cup of tea on your time.

 

Attend Afternoon Tea at The Brown Palace

Relax, unwind and “self care” like the English do at The Brown Palace. Their Afternoon Tea experience includes tea topped with Devonshire cream, handmade pastries, scones and tea sandwiches. Take in the sights and sounds of this elegant setting (complete with live piano music!) during your tea time. Reservations on OpenTable are recommended for this popular activity — and required during the holiday season.

 

Pick Up Beauty Products from Vert Beauty

Photo courtesy of Vert Beauty

Whether you’re looking for cleansers, moisturizers, masks, serums, makeup, shampoos, fragrances, or just about any beauty product under the sun, you’ll find it at Vert Beauty. This bright and airy shop in the Highlands neighborhood offers only the finest organic and natural beauty brands, from Aether to Zoe Organics. Pick up a product or two to create your very own spa day at home!

 

Buy a Candle at Candelaria

Candelaria is a new maker’s studio and retail space in the heart of the Santa Fe Arts District that opened in 2017 with the motto, “incubating independent makers, one candle at a time.” You can opt to make your own candle at one of their candle making workshops, which includes a step-by-step introduction on how to pick, mix and pour your own candle fragrances. For $35, you’ll get to make two 7-ounce candle tumblers! Before or after the two-hour class, shop from the variety of unique artisan-made pieces at Candelaria, including plants, greeting cards, candles, books, blankets, pillows and more. Many of the products are from businesses that are female-owned and -operated because Candelaria is also women-owned!

 

Grab a Pastry or Sweet Treat from Devil’s Food Bakery

Photo courtesy of Devil’s Food Bakery

Take “treat yourself” literally with a visit to Devil’s Food Bakery, a quaint cafe with an old fashioned feel. They make basically everything your sweet tooth is craving, including cupcakes, sugar-packed muffins, cakes, cookies, pastries and more. Don’t forget to pair your dessert of choice with a latte or cup of coffee!

 

Book a Staycation at The Maven Hotel

While The Maven is one of our favorite places to recommend to those visiting Denver, it also makes an excellent staycation choice for locals. After all, we shouldn’t have to miss out on our city’s excellent hotels! From the hanging chairs on every level to the Airstream out back that serves ice-cold margaritas—the Maven allows you to let loose and really enjoy Denver’s casual atmosphere. But that doesn’t mean this boutique hotel is lacking class. Each of their 172 rooms is bursting with sculptures, paintings and photographs all produced by Colorado artists. All that — plus its hip location in the Dairy Block — will allow you to experience your city from a whole new perspective. Looking for more staycation ideas? Click here.

 

Get a Mani and Pedi (and a Drink!) at Ella Bliss Beauty Bar

Ella Bliss Beauty Bar is not your typical salon. This one-stop beauty bar (with an emphasis on bar, because they serve a full drink menu, including wine, beer, cocktails and coffee!) offers nail services, a blow dry bar, a facial and massage spa, lash extensions, waxing, and much more. Plus, Ella Bliss is one of our favorite women-owned businesses in Denver! Go big with a Signature Bliss Express Mani/Pedi Combo and sip on your drink of choice while you get pampered. If you’ve never been, first time guests receive a complimentary beverage and member pricing!

 

Try a Unique Workout Class

Photo courtesy of Block21 Fitness

Staying active is an important part of incorporating self care and wellness into your lifestyle. Branch out of your comfort zone by trying a unique workout class that will exercise both your body and your mind! Sign up for a cannabis-induced yoga session at Bend & Blaze, jump around on a rebound trampoline, sweat it out at a cardio dance workout class, or even sing karaoke while you cycle. Looking for more ways to get moving? Check out these unique workouts in Denver and gyms that offer childcare!

 

Escape to the Outdoors

Fresh air and exercise are known to improve mental health, clarity and our overall wellness. Get a healthy dose of both by hitting the trail — or simply spending a few hours in nature (or a park!). Denver is ideally positioned for outdoor adventure, whether you’re looking to take a hike with your dog, splash around at a water park during the summer, or hit the ski slopes during the winter.

 

Visit a Hot Springs

Photo courtesy of Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort

Our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the abundance of hot springs within driving distance from Denver. Soaking in these naturally occurring, warm mineral water springs are a great way to relax and reflect on the year head. Plus, they’re said to offer health benefits, such as reducing stress, boosting circulation and relieving pain! Within a couple hours drive of Denver you’ll find Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, which features Creekside hot spring pools ranging in temperatures from 70-120 degrees, the Historic Bath House with soaking pools reaching temperatures up to 105 degrees, a hot spring pool with a water slide, full-service spa experiences, and more  — all offering the utmost in relaxation!

Looking for even more Colorado hot springs? Check out our list of others throughout the state.

 

How do you practice self care?

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