In Canada’s largest city, women lead active and varied lifestyles. However, sometimes the negative consequence of this is stress. Anger, sleep disturbances, apathy, and increased anxiety can make it difficult to recover quickly and remain productive for a long time. Fortunately, there are special practices that have been recognized as effective in coping with stress. Learn more about them on torontonka.
Outdoor meditation
Toronto offers many amazing and quiet places, such as parks, gardens, the waterfront, and beaches, that are ideal for meditation. This spiritual practice has become one of the most effective methods for stress relief. All you need is a mat, a water bottle, and comfortable clothes.
Meditation can be done alone or in groups. Toronto residents usually go to nature to meditate outdoors for several hours.
Deep breathing, listening to mantras, and staying in silence for a long time help to quickly get rid of negative emotions and relieve fatigue. After that, anxiety gradually disappears, and a feeling of harmony arises, as well as the desire and energy to return to the usual active rhythm of life.
Surfing near the Toronto Islands
The 15 islands near the center of Toronto provide a real paradise and a popular recreational area. Surfing and spending time in this beautiful environment have been proven to quickly relieve stress and improve health and mood.
Playing sports
Sports games like swimming, running, basketball, or tennis are simple yet beneficial activities that help release negative emotions and thoughts. Regular physical activities in nature or at the gym have a positive effect on both psychological and physical well-being.
Receiving a massage in a spa center
When energy and motivation are lacking, visiting a spa for a massage is an excellent way to relax, alleviate body aches, and induce positive sensations. It helps unwind and tune into a positive mindset.
Caring for Animals
Interacting with animals, whether it’s having a pet, visiting the zoo, or feeding them in parks, has been proven to calm and relax people, evoking pleasant emotions and promoting recuperation from emotional and physical fatigue. That’s why Toronto residents should have a pet, or sometimes visit the zoo or feed animals in parks.
Yoga classes
Taking yoga classes in gyms, sports studios, or parks provides an opportunity to step away from everyday activities and the fast pace of life. Through gentle exercises and silent introspection, yoga promotes harmony of the mind, body, and thoughts, relieving muscle tension, anxiety, fears, and negative memories. In this way, yoga helps to monitor physical and psychological health.
Watching a comedy show
Laughter is the easiest way to improve your mood and relieve stress. Scientists have found that after 45 minutes of laughter, the body is in a relaxed state, and emotional and physical tension immediately disappears. A good idea to laugh and have a good time is to watch a comedy show in one of Toronto’s theaters: Alexandra, Massey Hall, Ed Marvich, Meridian Hall… A bright performance, loud sound, beautiful scenery, and humor of the actors – all this will create a sense of celebration, help you relax and feel calm and positive emotions.
Visit a contemporary art gallery
Exploring creativity, beauty, history, and architecture not only inspires and enhances concentration but also helps achieve a state of calm and harmony with oneself and the surrounding world. The Art Gallery of Ontario, one of the largest art museums in North America, offers a rich collection of Canadian and European art. It houses collections of Canadian art, European painting, and sculpture by Henry Moore.
Watching the sunrise or sunset
Toronto is not only known for its skyscrapers but also for its breathtaking natural beauty. Watching the sunrise or sunset at popular locations such as the central waterfront, parks, gardens, islands, or Nathan Phillips Square provides an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and appreciate the cityscape.
Swimming in a rooftop pool
During the summer, rooftop swimming pools with stunning city views are the perfect place to relax and unwind. These pools often come with restaurants, terraces, and barbecue areas, allowing Toronto residents to enjoy a cocktail, a delicious meal, sunset views, and quality time with friends while relieving stress.
Watching a movie under the stars
To unwind and combat end-of-day stress, treat yourself to the delightful experience of watching a movie under the stars. During the summer, free movie screenings are held in various locations, such as Downsview Park, Corktown Common Park and Whitby Civic Park.
Relaxing alone in the countryside
Weekends provide a great opportunity to escape the noise and active rhythm of city life. Taking a vacation outside of Toronto allows for rejuvenation amid nature. Destinations like Niagara Falls, Algonquin Provincial Park, Blue Mountain Ski Resort, and Safari Park offer a range of activities to enjoy, including boating, cycling, fishing, wildlife observation, swimming and hiking.
Engaging in your favorite hobby
Pursuing a favorite activity is a great way to improve mood and release negative emotions. Dancing, singing, cooking, photography, reading, or cycling are just a few examples of hobbies that offer therapeutic benefits and help prevent stress. Toronto provides numerous venues for engaging in these activities, such as parks, the waterfront, islands, cafes and sports clubs.
Attending classical music concerts
Music has the power to inspire, soothe, and set a positive mood, evoking pleasant memories and emotions. Attending concerts in venues like the Music Garden, Danforth Music Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, and Royal Conservatory of Music is an enjoyable and beneficial way to spend time, positively impacting psychological and physical well-being.
Reading a book
After a stressful day, immersing yourself in an interesting book can swiftly change the situation. Studies have shown that within just six minutes of reading, stress levels can be reduced by 60%. Oxford University even named reading as the most effective way to reduce emotional stress.