It’s time to set goals and intentions for the new year. Anyone who wants to spend less time doomscrolling in 2024 might need some inspiration for how to actually disconnect. Staying on top of texts, emails, + notifications also gets overwhelming so sometimes the best thing to do is unplug for a while. Keep reading for ways to disconnect in Northern New Jersey.
Eat at a New Restaurant Without a Phone
It might sound silly, but something as simple as going out to a meal sans phone can help with disconnecting. Everyone enjoys posting about a new restaurant on social media (the HG team included) but every now + then it’s great to put the phone away and focus on the experience. Boschetto in Montclair + Tinjune Downtown in Newark are two spots to enjoy a meal without checking texts.
Read More: Need a Good Cry? The Best Spots in Hoboken + Jersey City, Rated
Meditate
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Meditating is a popular way to disconnect. Asana Soul Practice, Body + Brain Yoga Tai Chi, Harmony Meditation, Lyndhurst Meditation, + Yoga Mechanics all have meditation classes in North Jersey where participants practice different breathing + mindfulness strategies. Many of the classes are in person but there are a few virtual options for people who want to practice meditation at home.
Plan a Picnic
Plan a picnic once the weather gets warmer to disconnect al fresco. Parks across North Jersey have plenty of space to spread out a blanket, build a cheese + charcuterie board, + relax. Some parks, like Liberty State Park, Eagle Rock Reservation, Van Saun County Park, + Darlington County Park even allow grilling.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is an activity that promotes mindfulness + balance. First-time yogis might need a few sessions to find the type of yoga they enjoy but luckily there are plenty of yoga studios in North Jersey to try out. Yoga Renew, Asana Soul Practice, Juniper Yoga + Fitness, + Blackbird Yoga Studio are a few of the options in North Jersey to consider.
Read
A good book can quickly transport the reader to a new world. Audio and e-books are great alternatives to scrolling and public libraries throughout North Jersey have tons of downloadable titles. There are also a few independent bookstores in the area for anyone who prefers a physical book like Little City Books, Symposia Community Bookstore, WORD, Watchung Booksellers, + Bookends.
Relax at a Spa
There is almost nothing more relaxing than a spa day. Anyone who needs some R+R in addition to time away from their phones will feel refreshed after a massage, facial, or hot tub soak. SoJo Day Spa, The Spas at Crystal Springs Resort, + The Woodhouse Day Spa are just some of the spas in North Jersey where guests can unwind.
Take a Hike
Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to disconnect. North Jersey is home to some incredible hiking trails + parks like South Mountain Reservation, Wawayanda State Park, Giant Stairs Palisades, + Buttermilk Falls Trail. Hiking is a great opportunity to put your phone away, forget about work responsibilities, + focus on the beautiful scenery.
Try a New Hobby
Learning something new can help your brain disconnect from work + life stressors. Take a guitar lesson at Guitar Bar, join a crafting group like The Neon Tea Party, go climbing at the Randolph Climbing Center, or take a cooking class with Passion for Spices. There are plenty of unique ways to disconnect from the day-to-day and think about something else.
See More: North Jersey Classes for Adults
Visit a Botanic Garden
The Garden State has some incredible gardens to explore like the New Jersey Botanical Garden, Van Vleck House + Gardens, Leonard J Buck Garden, + Presby Iris Gardens. Wander, pack a picnic, bring a book, or simply soak up the fresh air + flowers.
These gardens sometimes host events so keep an eye on the calendars for workshops or lectures to attend. Van Vleck is hosting a mini-meditation retreat on February 3rd + March 9th.
