We all lead busy lives. While we try to keep up with the constant rush of work, family and day-to-day chores, it is hard to remember to slow down and take care of YOU. Stress affects more than just your mindset. It impacts your physical health as well. Exercising self-care is just as important as exercising physically. Here are a few activities to combat stress that you can partake in locally…
1. Laugh with the First Thursday Comedy Series
at The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts.
Come out to The Boscov Theater at The GoggleWorks in Reading to give your brain a break and to laugh. Every first Thursday of the month from 7-9pm, Matt and Jeanette Fotis present one of four rotating improvbased comedy groups. These events are recommended for mature teens and older audiences. For more info and tickets visit goggleworks.org/events-calendar.
2. Explore Aroma Therapy
at Paisley and Company.
Indulge in more than 350 fragrances and essential oils at Paisley and Company in Kutztown. Create your dream aroma that sends you into immediate relaxation in the form of a moisturizer, body fragrance, soap or something else altogether. Mix your choice of fragrances to create the perfect product for you. For more info visit paisleyandcompany.com.
3. Connect with Nature
at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.
Breathe in the fresh air as you explore the more than eight miles of hiking trails around Hawk Mountain in Kempton. There are trails for all hiking experience levels across the 2,500 acres of protected forest. All trails and The Visitor Center are open daily, 9am-5pm. There is a trail fee of $10 for all non-members. For events and more info visit hawkmountain.org.
4. Do some Yoga
at Jim Dietrich Park every Tuesday 6-7:15pm.
Immerse yourself in nature with a yoga session along the Schuylkill River at the farmhouse at Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township. Bring your mat and dress comfortably for this all-level class. Yoga is shown to reduce stress by bringing focus to the present and by slowing down the world around you. Classes are $10. For more info and tickets visit muhlenbergtwp.com/calendar.
5. Listen to Music at Community Events
with the Reading Musical Foundation.
Let yourself unwind as you take in soothing musical sounds. The Reading Musical Foundation connects the community to live performances happening in the area. Concert dates for the Reading Symphony Orchestra, Ringgold Band, Reading Choral Society and more can be found online at readingmusicalfoundation.org/monthly-events.
6. Practice Self-care
at The Salt Lounge.
What better way to reduce stress than by treating yourself to some much-needed self-care? The Salt Lounge in Wyomissing offers a range of services including massages, reflexology, Reiki, guided meditation, yoga and, of course, salt therapy. Salt therapy is a natural remedy that consists of relaxing in a salt room while inhaling air saturated with healing salts. To book a service visit thesaltlounge.net.
7. Eat Healthfully with a Meal Plan
from Clean Eatz Kitchen.
Consuming a healthy, balanced diet gives you the energy you need to combat life’s stressors. Clean Eatz in Wyomissing offers numerous healthy options with most meals falling under 500 calories. No cooking is necessary; all you have to do is heat it and eat it. Set up a weekly meal plan without a subscription by visiting cleaneatz.com.
8. Give Back to the Community
at Helping Harvest.
Take a break from your life by helping others’ lives. By seeing the positive impact you are making in your community, volunteering reduces stress. Helping Harvest’s mission is to feed the hungry in and around Berks County. Lend a hand by packing donations, preparing food totes, distributing food at Mobile Markets and more by registering at helpingharvest.org/volunteer.
