You’re busy, you’re tired, you’re pulled from every direction – but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be you! It’s perfectly OK – and healthy – to take some time out for yourself, whether it’s with your hubby on a date night or with your best friends for girls night out. Here are some ideas for what to do when you need to rejuvenate and reenergize yourself.
1. Rest and Relax. What could be better than lying down for an hour under a warm blanket, listening to relaxing music, smelling stress-reducing scents and relieving the tension of your muscles? A trip to the spa is the perfect way to unwind with your girls (or even by yourself). If you choose a location with a lounge, like Avanti Day Resort in Manalapan or SoJo Spa Club in Edgewater, you can hang out with your friends as you wash away your troubles.
2. Say Cheers. If you want to chill and relax, visit one of the many breweries or wineries in NJ. Laurita Winery in New Egypt has food truck festivals almost every weekend. If you want more action, cheer on your favorite team at one of these sports bars. Tommy’s Tavern + Tap has TVs all over the place, plus patio seating, so you can enjoy a good ol’ cheeseburger, pizza or sushi with your gals.
3. Channel Your Inner Van Gogh. Spark some creativity by bringing your clique to a paint night. You can go to Pinot’s Palette to paint a scene on canvas, or try your hand at pottery painting at Color Me Mine. The Electic Chic Boutique in Montclair offers a variety of classes, anything from crotchet wire bracelet making to a playing card art workshop to Chinese calligraphy.
4. Let It Go. Meditation is a great way to clear your mind. Even though this is very individual, you can still bring your gal pals with you so you can walk on the beach in Seaside after a full moon ritual. You can grab a coffee on the boardwalk after you listen to singing crystal bowls among the splashing waves of the ocean.
5. Stretch Your Limits. Yoga has proven benefits for relaxation. Step it up a notch with puppy yoga by Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses, or goat yoga at Mad Lavendar Farm in Milford. You and your friends will love playing with the cute, cuddly animal babies – just don’t miss your own babies too much!
6. Release Your Energy. Hatchet throwing has become a very popular way to reduce stress, not only because of its physical nature but because you’ll spend time laughing with your girls. Call in advance to see if your closest location is BYO.
7. Lounge Around in Style. Whether you and your crew like to party at a club or prefer a more chill atmosphere, a lounge is a great place to sit back, sip on some wine and talk about what’s going on in your daily lives. Orchard Park by David Burke has a bar, restaurant and lounge area, plus an outdoor patio.
8. Laugh It Up. A comedy club is a great place to let go of your troubles. Laughter really is the best medicine. The Stress Factory in New Brunswick and Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Point Pleasant Beach have shows almost nightly. If you’re feeling extra brave, sign up for an open mic and treat your friends to a real show!
9. Belt It Out. Music speaks to our souls, so why not go with the girls to a karaoke bar? Plan a night at Songbird Karaoke in Collingswood, or if a you need a midweek pick-me-up, Grasshopper off the Green in Morristown has karaoke every Tuesday.
10. Make Your Getaway. Don’t just plan a girls’ night out, plan an entire girls’ weekend away! Crystal Springs Resort has adult-friendly activities like a cabaret, wine tour and tasting, and time spent sitting by the Biosphere Pool. Atlantic City is a great option, too.
11. Indulge in Your Sweet Tooth. Share the juicy gossip while sipping on cocktails and tasting cakes at the Sweet Suite at Calandra’s Italian Village in Caldwell. It’s true, you don’t have to be planning a wedding to sample the bite-sized desserts.
Read More:
Self Care Secrets from New Jersey Moms
Why Sleep is So Important for Stressed Moms