It almost goes without saying that life is hectic and finding legit ways to relax in Calgary can be a challenge. Between those 6:30 am workout classes, eight or more hours spent at the office, countless more hours devoted to a side hustle, and time spent with friends, family, and partners, Calgarians rarely have a moment to take a time out.
Yet, it is just as important — if not arguably more so — to occasionally take the opportunity to put you first. Invest in yourself and try these 10 ways to re-centre, recoup and revitalize.
After all, first love is self-love. (At least, we think so.)
1. Get your Float on at One Love Float Studio
Relieve stress while increasing relaxation and overall energy by submerging your body in a float pool at One Love Float Studio. Aided by several hundred pounds of Epsom salts (thus creating the ideal floating environment), your body will detox while your mind is free to find clarity and reach a meditative state.
Fee: $69 Single Float Session
Contact: 7244 Silver Springs Rd. N.W., 587-293-5628, onelovefloat.com, @onelovefloat
2. Indulge in a Hot Shave at Barber Culture, or a Facial at the Natural Art of Skincare
Literally put your best face forward. Whether you opt for an old-school hot shave at Barber Culture or chose to rejuvenate your skin through holistic care and products at the Natural Art of Skincare, give yourself permission to be pampered and unwind in comfort.
Barber Culture
Fee: $40
Contact: 1520 6 St. S.W., 403-229-0479, barberculture.ca, @barbercultureinc
Natural Art of Skincare
Fee: $96, Eminence Signature Facial
Contact: 310 16 Ave. N.W., 587-351-1131, thenaturalartofskincare.ca, @thenaturalartofskincare
3. Take a Meditation Class at Modern + Mindful
Curious about how to clear your mind and quiet your thoughts, but clueless as to stop the endless to-do list running through your brain? We have good news for you. Sign up for a meditation class at Modern + Mindful. The first of its kind in Calgary, the studio promises a no-nonsense, relaxing approach to meditation where you get what you want out of the experience.
Fee: $20 Drop-In
Contact: 343 11 Ave. S.W., 403-690-2256, modernandmindful.com, @modernandmindfulyyc
4. Take Yourself on a Date
Oftentimes, nothing is more replenishing for one’s self than by taking the time to fill your own cup by embarking on a solo adventure. If you are stuck for ideas, we suggest popping by Pages Books to find a new read and then heading across the street to turn pages while sipping a cup of Joe at Higher Ground Café.
Pages Books
Contact: 1135 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-6655, pageskensington.com, @pagesbooks
Higher Ground Café
Contact: 1126 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-270-3780, highergroundcafe.ca, @highergroundcafe
5. Get a Massage at Inner Balance Spa
What could be more nurturing than a full-body massage? In our humble opinion, not much. Pay a visit to Inner Balance Spa for a variety of massage therapy options, from the “relaxation” full body massage with aromatherapy oils ($90 for one hour) to the “energy” massage, which combines massage with Reiki to restore overall health ($90 for one hour).
Fee: Varies Per Treatment
Contact: 424 10 St. N.W., 403-670-6721, innerbalancespa.com, @innerbalancespa
6. Try Out Acupuncture at Leela Eco Spa
Through stimulating specific acupuncture points along the body, the flow of a person’s qi — or “life energy” — can be corrected. This, in turn, improves overall health. Book an appointment at Leela Eco Spa’s Bridgeland location if you are feeling in need of rebooting your energies.
Fee: Acupuncture Assessment $120, Acupuncture Treatment $85
Contact: 8491 Ave. N.E., 403-258-3268, leelaecospa.ca, @leelaecospa
7. Get Creative at Vin Gogh Paint & Sip
Getting your creative juices flowing is a sure way to nurture yourself. However, if you need a little artistic guidance (and wouldn’t mind kicking off the creative process with a little vino) look into attending a paint party at Vin Gogh Paint & Sip. Pick your favourite painting, register online, and show up ready to channel your inner Picasso, Renoir or Matisse impression.
Fee: Evening paint session $55 (includes one glass of wine); Morning paint session $45 (includes tea or coffee)
Contact: 7004 Macleod Trail, 403-475-4644, vingogh.ca, @vingoghyyc
8. Get Outside with Lazy Day Raft Rentals
Floating down the Bow or Elbow River is a Calgary summer staple. As an added bonus, spending time outdoors will clear away the office cobwebs. If you do not have your own raft, fear not. Lazy Day Raft Rentals has got you covered, with rafts that fit between four to 10 people, life jackets and (as you will need two vehicles located at the drop-off and pick-up locations) the option for a shuttle service.
Fee: $55 (four person raft); Lifejackets are $5 with a raft rental
Contact: 720 3 St. N.W., 403-258-0575, lazydayraftrentals.com, @lazydayraftrent (Twitter)
9. Try Aerial Yoga at Yoga and Beyond
While breaking your routine by trying any new workout class expands your comfort zone — and getting your sweat on benefits your health period — there’s something about being able to hang upside down that speaks to replenishing your proverbial juices (perhaps the blood rushing to your head does the trick). Head down to Yoga and Beyond’s Kensington location and increase strength and flexibility in an anti-gravity yoga class.
Fee: $39 (One Week Plus, includes yoga, spin, barre and aerial yoga)
Contact: 1414 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-9642, yogaandbeyond.ca, @yogabeyond_yyc
10. De-Clutter Your Life with Room to Breathe
Is your space adding to your stress? Perhaps it is time to join the minimalist movement and say goodbye to bad vibes along with all that clutter — albeit, clearing out your belongings is no easy to task. Luckily, the team at Room to Breathe is there to guide you on your purging journey — implementing a systematic approach to help you get organized.
Fee: $75 per Hour (for one organizer)
Contact: 104 2440 34 Ave. S.W., 587-228-6359, roomtobreathecalgary.com, @room.2.breathe
By Sarah Comber
