Heather Rafanello 
Hustle culture experienced living right across the river from NYC, combined with all of the transit challenges and construction issues lately, stress levels are as high as ever, so we’re highlighting ways to relax and take a step back. August 15th is World Relaxation Day and no one deserves a break more than Hudson County. We asked local expert Heather Rafanello, mental health therapist and founder of Growing Mindset Therapy, to share local spots to dive deeper into self-care, just in time for World Relaxation Day.
Collectively, more and more people are recognizing the importance of holistic wellness and even further taking steps to create harmony and balance in their lives. As a local mental health professional, Heather has some expert thoughts on the topic. Read on to explore local spots to practice holistic wellness and relaxation this summer in Hoboken + Jersey City.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and other forms of Eastern medicine can be great ways to destress, promote physical health + relaxation, and be used to alleviate pain, by stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal.
Local Acupuncture Practices
- Acuworx | 190 Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City
- Classical Acupuncture + Wellness | 113 Monroe Street, Hoboken
- Erin Kumpf Acupuncture + Herbs | 7 Hutton Street, Jersey City
Read More: A Guide to Fitness Memberships in Hoboken
At Home Relaxation
Research shows a correlation between the clutter in one’s physical environment and their mind, meaning that a chaotic headspace can lead to a cluttered home, and vice versa. Spending time organizing your physical space, and headspace can have a great ROI.
Local Cleaning Services
- Essential Pro Cleaning | 215 Hudson Place, Cliffside Park
- Maid In Hoboken | 50 Harrison Street, Hoboken
- VePo Cleaning | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
- Regina’s Maids | 1312 Fifth Street, North Bergen
Local Professional Organization Companies
- A Better Home Space | Hoboken-Based
- Duly Organized | 12 Jersey Street, Bloomfield
- The Neat Life by Cathleen | 4 Hoverman Road, Old Tappan
- Better With Buffy | Jersey City Heights
- The Neat Method | Jersey City
- Sorted by Snow | Hudson County
Connect with Community
^ Sober Curious Community. Photo Credit: Annie Ferro
Humans are social beings, and spending time with the right people can be soothing to the nervous system. Strolling through a farmers market with friends, joining a club sport, or a like-minded community are all great ways to relax.
Local Spots to Connect with Community
Day Spas
^ SoJo Spa
The only thing better than a spa appointment is spending a day at the spa. Day spas are a great way to escape the chaos of everyday life, without having to actually go anywhere far. Spend the day getting pampered, and relaxing at one of these local spots.
Local Day Spas
- SoJo Spa | 600 River Road, Edgewater
- Woodhouse Spa | 225 River Street, Hoboken
- Zahara Day Spa | 403 Monmouth Street, Jersey City
Earthing
^ Liberty State Park
Spending time in nature is simple, and free mental health hack. Most people already spend far too much time sitting at their desks, staring at screens. It’s critical to not only step away from the screens but to step outside, get some fresh air, and just be in and surrounded by nature.
Local spots to touch grass (literally)
- Church Square Park | 400 Garden Street, Hoboken
- Hamilton Park | 25 West Hamilton Place, Jersey City
- Liberty State Park | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
- Pier A Park | 100 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
- Riverview-Fisk Park | 498 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
Massage + Facials
Massage + facial appointments are likely top of mind when thinking about ways to relax, and for good reason. Massage and facial appointments help stimulate deep physical relaxation by releasing tension, increasing circulation, and promoting healing. Hoboken + Jersey City are full of great wellness studios and spas for deep relaxation.
Local Massage + Facial Spas
- Hello Skin | 129 Washington Street, Hoboken
- Moonlight Spa | 722 Washington Street, Hoboken
- Purdie Space | 523 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
- StretchMed | 1108 Washington Street, Hoboken
Meditation + Energy Work
Meditation + energy work can create a state of relaxation in the body by reducing physiological stress, and promoting a state of calm. These practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body soothe, and regulate instead of reacting and responding.
Local Spots for Meditation + Energy Work
- Mind Body Hoboken | 51 Newark Street, Hoboken
- Salvation Wellness | 30 Provost Street, Jersey City
Saunas
^ Zen Om Studio
A sauna might not seem relaxing at first, considering that using one means sweating in high heat, but through sweating the body releases toxins, and endorphins which can be pain relieving and mood boosting.
Local Saunas
- Enso | 390 Central Avenue, Jersey City
- Om.Life | 18 Park View Avenue, Jersey City
- Zen Om Studio | 129 Washington Street, Hoboken
Yoga
^ Yogarenew
Yoga is another practice that can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the body’s restorative response. The postures, breathwork, and mindfulness components of a yoga practice are what contributes to it’s relaxing effect.
Local Yoga Studios
- Asana Soul Practice | Multiple Locations in Hoboken + Jersey City
- Surya | Multiple Locations in Hoboken + Jersey City
- Urban Souls | 100 Hudson Street, Hoboken
- YogaRenew | 12 Hudson Place, Hoboken
See More: Pilatte: The First Women-Only Pilates Studio in Montclair
Ultimately, the goal of relaxation is to slow down long enough to allow for a deeper connection to oneself. The hustle and bustle just isn’t sustainable without downtime, pauses, and reconnecting to our true purpose. Relaxation practices are as unique as each person, so think of what brings you joy, whether that be nature, being creative, connecting with others, or something else, and use that insight to create a self-care practice. Be quirky, be weird, and have fun, life is too short and each moment is too precious not to.
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