Between work, our families and everyday life, many people neglect to take a moment for themselves. Taking care of yourself or practicing self-care is a phrase you may hear frequently in everyday conversation or on social media. While this phrase may feel overused at times, the concept behind it is vital to the long-term health of your mind and body.
Tampa, Florida, is a great place to practice self-care to help you feel happier and healthier. Here are some of the best ways to take some time for yourself in Tampa, from yoga to canoe tours.
What is Self-Care?
On a basic level, self-care means taking care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. How you practice self-care will be unique and based on what makes you feel your best. As you begin your self-care journey, it’s essential to differentiate between self-maintenance and self-care. Self-maintenance refers to the acts you must do to get through the day. Everyone practices self-maintenance daily out of necessity, but many people forget that we must also practice self-care.
Self-care is taking the daily needs of self-maintenance and elevating them to improve physical, mental or emotional well-being. Self-care can take many forms, such as:
- Physical: Performing activities to enhance your physical well-being, such as exercise.
- Practical: Fulfilling core needs to reduce stress, such as organizing your email inbox.
- Social: Spending time with friends and family or finding ways to make new connections.
- Emotional: Taking time to connect and process our emotions in a healthy way.
- Intellectual: Finding new activities to engage your mind and create a healthy mindset.
- Spiritual: Engaging with activities that help you connect with your inner spirit and nurture your soul.
Many people equate treating yourself to a massage or receiving a facial as self-care. While these activities may help you relax, you do not need to spend money to practice self-care. Spending time in nature or doing a five-minute meditation exercise are two immensely beneficial and free ways to improve your social and emotional well-being.
There is often the misconception that practicing self-care takes time away from caring for others. Taking time for yourself and your needs will allow you to be more present to meet the needs of those around you. The goal of self-care is to help you grow into the happiest and healthiest version of yourself.
Why Tampa Is the Perfect Place for Self-Care
Everyone has different needs when it comes to self-care. Practicing self-care plays a significant role in helping you rest and recharge. While choosing an activity for your self-care requires some introspection, Tampa has a wide variety of activities available to meet your needs. Whether you’re a Florida resident or are traveling to Tampa for business or personal reasons, choosing Tampa for your self-care offers many benefits.
Florida is well known for its beautiful, sunny weather, and Tampa is no exception. Taking in the bright sunshine can improve your mood and let you enjoy outside self-care activities year-round. If you’re visiting Tampa from another city or state, this change of scenery may also aid in your self-care process.
Tampa, Florida, is a major city with a wide variety of activities. Explore healthy dining options or visit a museum to meet your self-care needs.
How to Practice Self-Care in Tampa
Tampa is a beautiful city with diverse options to meet your self-care needs. Here are 18 ideas to help you start relaxing in Tampa or help you get back on your feet when you’re feeling burnt out.
1. Grady Goat Foundation
Bring your yoga mat and enjoy a beautiful farm setting with over 30 friendly baby goats to assist you through your yoga moves. Guests also have the opportunity to play with the goats after class.
2. Rock Spa & Salon
Whether you’re looking for a place to get massages in Tampa or would like to practice other methods of physical self-care, the Rock Spa has a wide variety of services and treatments.
3. Fresh Kitchen
Enjoy chef-inspired, healthy meals to nourish your body.
4. Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education
Whether you’re looking for professional development opportunities or to gain a new skill, the Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education has courses to meet your interests and needs.
5. Salon West
Practical tasks like getting your hair cut are a great way to practice self-care, especially at a top-rated salon like Salon West.
6. International Plaza and Bay Street
Run errands or find practical items to ease stress with the over 200 stores available.
7. Can You Escape?
Grab your friends and work together to find hidden objects and solve clues to escape interactive themed escape rooms.
8. Tampa Riverwalk
Attend one of the many events at the Riverwalk, such as Tampa Riverfest or the Lighted Boat Parade, for a fun way to make new friends or spend time with old ones.
9. Starz Center for the Performing Arts
Whether you enjoy Broadway performances or want to see a rock concert, this venue has various entertainment options for you and your friends to enjoy.
10. Florida Community of Mindfulness
Enjoy a variety of programs such as meditation, classes and retreats to improve your emotional well-being.
11. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Take a nature walk in Tampa at this peaceful preserve for a relaxing way to reconnect with your emotions.
12. Bake’N Babes
Boost your mood with a coffee or sweet treat from this delicious bakery.
13. Tampa Bay History Center
Dive into 12,000 years of Florida history for a fun and educational experience for all ages.
14. Jobsite Theater
This professional theater company offers a mix of contemporary and classical plays and musicals.
15. Color Me Mine
Learn new skills as you paint ceramics for yourself or as a gift for others.
16. Al Lopez Park
Spend time at one of the best places to experience nature near Tampa for a chance for quiet reflection.
17. Lotus Heart Mindfulness
Enjoy mindful activities such as yoga, sound healing, and women’s circles at this studio.
18. Canoe Escape
Spend a day at one of the most peaceful places in Tampa, discovering natural beauty on the Hillsborough River.
Contact 7 Summit Pathways in Tampa
Feelings of burnout, depression or stress may lead to negative coping strategies such as using drugs or alcohol. If you or a loved one need assistance recovering from addiction, 7 Summit Pathways is here to help.
Our Tampa, Florida location provides multiple opportunities for rest and relaxation. Learn more about our programs today and see how we can help you feel your best.