The Best SELF-CARE Activities in London
We all need to switch off every once in a while, take a personal day, put our feet up & embrace our inner introvert. Here are the 10 best ways to do exactly that.
📷 @theroyalparks
10. The Royal Parks volunteering
Kicking off a bit leftfield, wellness isn’t always about relaxation activities for you, but sometimes comes from the ability to give back to society, and a lovely way to do that is to head to one of the Royal Parks and do some volunteering.
There are plenty of different options, from normal gardening to supporting allotments, from looking after their nurseries to wildlife conservation. London’s parks are so important to so many and this is a wonderful way of giving back to the city by looking after its green spaces. And at the same time it lets you close to nature which is so important for mental health. A wonderful opportunity for anyone who isn’t sure how to give back.
📷 @leolaub
9. The London Buddhist Centre meditation
With mindfulness so front and centre of people’s minds over the past few years we couldn’t have a self-care article without talking about meditation. Yes of course you can easily do this at home with the help of apps such as Headspace and Calm, however there are some amazing places to go to in London where you can have some irl meditation.
And where better to go to than the London Buddhist Centre? Don’t worry, this is for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, as long as you’re on the hunt for zen and happy to learn. Even better it’s all completely free! But a kind donation is always welcome. Whether you’re a complete newbie, or a master of chill, this one is for you. Just turn up and have a relaxing time.
📷 @the_floatworks
8. Floatworks
Floatation tanks, otherwise known as sensory depravation tanks, may at first seem like a strange choice for relaxation but hear us out. You are floating in a high-saline solution, in pitch black, no smells, no sounds, nothing. It is so strange, but yet so invigorating, and a must to try at least once.
A few things to know: 1/ Do not itch your face as you will get salt water in your eyes. 2/ After a few minutes in the dark the water starts to feel like you’re lying in the softest sand and your skin will feel like silk. 3/ Your mind will wonder to every corner of the galaxy. 4/ Time is a lie - we were in there for at least 17 hours even though the clock ‘claims’ it was only one hour. 5/ Take advantage of the chill-out area after your session - speaking is still seemingly an issue up to a couple of hours after the session due to high levels of relaxation.
📷 @aireancientbaths_uk
7. Aire Ancient Baths
Who doesn’t love a long leisurely afternoon whiling away the time in a stunning spa? Well pretty much all London’s best hotels have their own versions so you’re a bit spoilt for choice if you’re looking for where to go. But actually the correct choice is to head to Aire Ancient Baths near Covent Garden. Decadent to the extreme, this is unlike anything you will find anywhere else in the city.
Wonder through the 7 different candlelit baths: you can find the Tepidarium (warm), the Caldarium (hot), the Frigidarium (2 cold baths), the Vaporium (aromatherapy steam room), the Balneum (with its Thousand jet baths), and the Flotarium (clue’s in the title).
📷 @unplugged.rest
6. Unplugged digital detox
Londoners are very well known for being so ridiculously busy that catch-ups need to be booked in at least one month in advance if there’s any chance to actually see friends. Life is hectic. And we never have a change to just stop. To just stop for a while and breath. This is the beauty of a digital detox. Take a weekend to switch off your phone and enjoy a complete lack of any social media doomscrolling, news, calls, messages, alerts, notifications, anything.
With Unplugged you turn up at their gorgeous cabins, place your phone in their timed lockboxes, and then completely turn off for the weekend. Play some boardgames, read a book, go for a nature walk, have a long bath. Be at peace.
📷 @therefinerylondon
5. The Refinery massage
Not to stereotype but men are just not as good at looking after their mental or physical wellness, and feel more awkward about starting to embrace these kinds of experiences. So this one goes out to all the kings out there who are up for starting on this journey. Welcome to the Refinery, a male-only wellness centre.
Here you can get shaves and beard trims, eyebrow & lash services, manis and pedis, waxing and laser treatments, aaaand massages. The massages can be anything from 25 to 80 minutes, and from normal medium pressure traditional to full deep tissue massages. Aching after the gym? Sports therapy massage is for you. Want to feel completely rejuvenated? Try the full body exfoliation. There’s something here for everyone.
📷 @sg_skygarden
4. Sky Garden yoga
One of the best ways to stay in shape and relax at the same time is to embrace some vigorous stretching, or even some yoga! But who wants to be stuck in some dingy basement while trying to perfect your downward dog? A much better idea is to head up to the 35th floor at the Sky Garden to take in the beautiful panoramic views while getting your zen on first thing in the morning surrounded by a beautiful forest of lush plants.
These classes are fit for all, whether you’re an absolute beginner with no coordination (very much like us), or you can wrap yourself up like a pretzel seven different ways. Either way, this is the only way to really make your child’s pose, child’s play.
📷 @gongstories
3. GONG sound baths
Audiophiles listen up. We have got an absolute hidden gem treat for you. If your favourite way of relaxing at home is to put your feet up, close your eyes, and enjoy some chill tunes, then you’re going to love sound baths. Using bells, gongs, and gorgeous Tibetan singing bowls, you will be able to immerse yourself into the music, while letting the beautiful sounds wash over you.
If meditation has never quite clicked for you (like us) then this is very similar to that, but much more approachable for all kinds of people. GONG have both virtual and in person sessions to fit your needs and take place all across London in plenty of lovely locations, so find the one that fits for you and get involved.
📷 @mytownhouseuk
2. Townhouse mani pedi
How can something so simple spark so much joy? Manicures and pedicures are some of life’s small pleasures that should be part of everyone’s regular wellness routines. Especially with London’s hectic life meaning time is always lacking so time is of the essence.
And nowhere does it better than Townhouse. With 29(!) locations in London, and 40 across the UK, you’ll always be able to find somewhere near you for a quick pitstop. Grab a glass of bubbles, take a seat, and let you problems wash away. Townhouse are hand down the best at what they do so if you’re going to get involved with this then there’s only once choice of where to go.
📷 @communitysaunabaths
1. Community Sauna Baths
We recently returned from a fantastic trip to Oslo, where sauna culture is huge. All Norwegians love to sauna. And we are now absolute converts to the sauna life too. The difficulty here in London is that saunas (and spas) are not the most affordable.
But never fear, Community Sauna Baths are here to bring an amazing cost-effective option to us, that is also a fantastic experience. The baths have plenty of saunas and cold plunge baths available, but also loads of other experiences, including storytelling, breathwork, leaf massages, sound baths, yoga, and poetry sessions. Wow.