The holiday season has come to an end. It is a wonderful time full of celebration, love, and family. Although we are sad it’s over, we are happy to be rid of the stressful planning, cooking, and cleaning that accompanies the holidays. Now is the time to sit back and relax; you’ve earned it.
Get active
Sweat and stretch the holiday stress away! Attend a yoga class or fitness center to get your body moving. Ignite Yoga has hot yoga classes for all levels, perfect for someone looking to sweat it all out. Check out Ames Yoga Center for great un-heated classes. Not into yoga? Try Ames Fitness Center to get your body moving in various fun and exciting ways.
Read a book
Grab a book and escape into a world of imagination where everyday stress disappears. Head downtown to the Ames Public Library or Dog-Eared Books for all the best reading options in Ames. Plus, locals know the best way to turn your day around is by petting Lovey, the official fluffy friend of Dog-Eared Books.
Go to a cozy café
After securing a book, head to one of Ames’s cozy cafes. Sometimes, you only need a change of scenery and a delicious coffee to destress. Luckily, Ames is full of cafés! A few of our favorites include Burgies, Café Diem, Lockwood Café, Vinyl Café, and Daytime Diner.
Get a massage
Let the tension roll off your shoulders with a massage at Massage Heights or Renewed Wellness! Relax your body and feel the holiday stress fade away. Be a new you for the new year!
Pick up a new hobby
Whether there is something you’ve never tried before or something you just haven’t had the time to get into yet, Ames probably has it. See all the great possibilities this year has to offer.
Throw the stress away
Decluttering can be a freeing experience once it’s all said and done. Get rid of the things cluttering your life and adding to your stress. Head to Goodwill and Overflow to donate all that stuff you no longer need and all the holiday gifts you didn’t like.
Go on a winter walk
Take a deep breath and go for a winter walk. Get your steps in while enjoying the crisp air at some of our favorite hiking and snowshoeing trails.
- Ada Hayden Heritage Park Loop – 3.2 miles
- McFarland Park Trails – 3.8 miles
- Munn Woods Trail – 2.1 miles
- Skunk River Greenbelt Loop – 2.8 miles
- Peterson Park East Loop – 2.0 miles
Have some fun
Sometimes, the stress of holidays can overshadow the fun of it all. If you still need a fun time, head to Perfect Games or Inside Golf & Games. Axe throwing at Inside Golf & Games and laser tag at Perfect Games are great ways to release stress and tension.
Written by Rachel Gantt, Marketing & Communications Intern
