10 easy stress-relieving activities in Nashville
According to the Mayo Clinic, chronic stress can be very detrimental to your health. It increases your blood sugar, alters your immune system response, suppresses your digestive system, and causes headaches, heart problems, and memory and concentration issues. Hobbies, exercise and eating healthy can help you deal with long-term stress. There are some easy ways to get some stress relief right here in Nashville, so check out some of the ideas below:
- Get a massage at The Lotus Room, 700 18th Ave. S. Nothing relieves stress more than a relaxing massage, so go see 12th & Broad’s own Jenna Wolf for an Ayurveda massage.
- Literally stop and smell the roses at Cheekwood Botanical Garden, 1200 Forest Park Drive. Take a moment to slow down your pace of life and enjoy Mother Nature’s most beautiful creations.
- Go for a scenic walk along Radnor Lake, 1160 Otter Creek Road. A leisurely stroll amid beautiful scenery is always a good idea when looking for some stress relief.
- Take a class at Barry’s Bootcamp, 308 11th Ave. S. Exercise is a great outlet for stress, and nothing is better than a grueling hour-long full-body workout.
- Meditate with One Dharma Nashville, 3808 Park Ave. We’ve previously talked about the benefits of mindful meditation, and research shows that meditation can have positive effects on your brain and immune function.
- Take to a counselor at the Mental Health Cooperative, 275 Cumberland Bend. Sometimes the best way to relieve stress is to talk about it. Making an appointment with a mental health professional can equip you with positive ways to deal with stressful situations.
- Take a yoga class at 12 South Yoga, 2814 12th Ave. S. Quiet your body and mind and achieve some inner peace with an hour of Iyengar yoga.
- Take a tai chi class at Align Wellness Studio, 4544 Harding Pike, Suite 215. Tai chi has been popular in China for centuries, and it has been used to promote relaxation and mindful motion.
- Pick up a new hobby by taking a class with Nashville Parks and Recreation. Throwing yourself into an activity or learning a new skill is a great way to blow off some steam.
- Create a painting with Paint Along, 8005 Church St. E., Brentwood. Spend a night learning a new skill and having a glass of wine! Seems like a two-pronged stress reliever.
Andrei Javier works at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She has an extensive background in clinical research and health policy. She was a finalist for a Nashville Emerging Leader Award in 2016 and was featured in Nashville Lifestyles. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, community service and exploring Nashville's culinary scene.