As one of the many who struggle with anxiety and depression, I’ve learned it’s necessary to actively address it through self-care. Hopefully, these tips for how to spend a self-care day in Baltimore will help you maintain wellness.
Why self-care?
Self-care simply means taking the time to do the activities that nurture you, rather than ignoring what you need to be healthy and happy. It’s summed up in any variation of the popular quote, “you can’t give to others what you don’t have yourself.” It’s not just something that’s nice to do every once in a while. I see it as a responsibility for your health just like brushing your teeth or going to the doctor.
Self-care can include anything from a vacation to a walk in the park, as long as you’re focusing on your mental, physical, and emotional health. You don’t always need an exotic location or a ton of money. There are things you can do right at home, in a city like Baltimore or wherever you live.
How to spend a self-care day in Baltimore
As a former resident, here are my tips for how to spend a self-care day in Baltimore, Maryland.
Spend time in nature
Spending time in nature is always a rejuvenating experience. Water and mountains in particular give me a sense of calm and stress relief. It’s good to take a break from concrete and car fumes to breathe fresh air and have a change of scenery. The Baltimore area has plenty of options, from city gardens to parks fit for outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing. Read more here about the top options for natural escapes in Baltimore.
One of my favorite spots is Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens in Druid Hill Park. If you visit on a weekday right when they open at 10 am, there’s a good chance you’ll have the place all to yourself. The conservatory consists of rooms with plants that grow in different climates and each has benches for quiet reflection.
Where To Go: Rawlings Conservatory, Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront, Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park, Patapsco Valley State Park, Oregon Ridge Park
Pamper yourself
I have to admit, getting pampered is one of my favorite things to do, self-care or not. A good massage, body treatment, facial, or mani/pedi is always a good way to improve your mood.
Other than travel, getting pampered is one of the more expensive but enjoyable ways to practice self-care. For those of us who can’t afford it regularly, giving yourself a spa treatment at home and using essential oils isn’t a bad substitute. Even a small practice like running an essential oil diffuser or applying a mask before bed can make a big difference in how you feel.
If you don’t want to do the work yourself, there are more affordable options. For $30, you can use the wet and dry saunas at Seoul Spa, a Korean bathhouse in Windsor Mill. Services cost extra, but your $30 entry fee gives you access for the entire day (10 am-10 pm). If you get hungry from all the relaxation, you can eat in the attached restaurant.
Where To Go: Charm City Skin, Live Well Be Well Massage, Athena Nails and Spa, Seoul Spa
Meditate and be mindful
Meditation has been scientifically proven to have positive effects for the mind and body. It can actually improve connectivity between different regions of the brain. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, fight depression, improve concentration, reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, help you sleep, and increase energy, among others. And the great thing is that you can meditate anywhere, anytime, for any length of time, and for free. There are multiple phone apps that can help you get started and offer guidance. My favorite free app is Insight Timer and Headspace is a good paid app. Read about my favorite self-care apps here.
If you prefer in-person guidance or your home is too distracting, meditation and mindfulness classes are easy to find. The Baltimore Shambhala Center offers free meditation classes on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings, plus free public sitting hours daily.
I haven’t been successful at meditating every single day, but that’s okay. One of the most useful lessons I’ve learned through meditation is to not beat myself up over every real or perceived failure. Instead, I’m better able to observe the feelings that arise without judgment and then keep it moving. It’s a work in progress.
Where To Go: Baltimore Shambhala Center, Kadampa Meditation Center Maryland, Insight Meditation Community of Baltimore (Meetup group), Northeast Interfaith Peace Garden
Move your body
As much as we hate it sometimes, exercise and movement is a form of self-care. But exercise doesn’t have to be a super-competitive or intense activity, unless that’s your thing. Boxing is one of my favorite ways to exercise. It helps me release frustration and focusing on the moves keeps my mind off of the physical discomfort.
Exercise can also be peaceful and reflective. Outdoor activities like hiking and biking, or stretching and yoga at home are great ways to integrate the mind and body. More intense exercise can be self-care activities too, but the key is to be mindful while you’re doing them.
If you have an office job, getting outside daily and taking a walk is also important. It’s very unhealthy to regularly sit in one position for hours at a time. Getting up and moving also gives your mind a break from work and whatever stress comes with it.
Where To Go: Baltimore Yoga Village, Be More Yoga (Meetup group that holds free yoga classes every Saturday morning), Elzey Boxing and Fitness, Inline Fitness, Club De Cycle, Gwynns Falls Trail
I hope this gave you some useful resources and ideas for how to spend a self-care day in Baltimore. Let me know in the comments how you practice self-care, wherever you live.
If you liked this post, check these out:
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5 Self-Care Apps You Need to Try
8 Ways to Escape to Nature in Baltimore, Maryland
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