A Therapist’s Guide to Cultivating Relaxation in DC
Written By: Jessica Attas, LICSW, LCSW
Washington, DC is an incredible place to live. With so much to do and so many things to see, there is always an opportunity to engage with the city around you. The hustle and bustle of city living can be invigorating, although sometimes all the pressure from external sources can leave us feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed. When there is something to do on every corner, it can be difficult to take some time for yourself to unwind and relax.
If you find yourself feeling stressed, anxious, burnt out, or just need a moment to yourself, read on for four places within DC where you can find some peace and tranquility!
National Arboretum
With almost 500 acres, the U.S. National Arboretum is an oasis of calm in the concrete jungle of DC. The Arboretum has a variety of plants, wide open spaces, and wooded areas that leave you feeling transported from the chaos of living in an urban environment. The National Arboretum is particularly special because it has a variety of botanical exhibits you can experience year round! Some favorites of mine include the Capitol Columns, the Bonsai Museum, and the Azalea Collection. No matter what kind of plants you enjoy, the National Arboretum has something for you. Spending time in nature can help you clear your mind and bring you into the present moment. Fresh air has been proven to help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and more!
2. National Portrait Gallery
If you’re feeling stressed but relaxing in nature isn’t your vibe, take a trip to the National Portrait Gallery! This museum is a center for exploration and creativity in DC. With paintings, photography, and digital art-there are so many different ways to engage your senses. After taking a stroll through the variety of exhibits, be sure to spend time sitting and enjoying the natural light in the glass atrium. The atrium is a particularly unique area because the glass can offer a sense of clarity and personal stillness as you watch gallery-goers pass by.
3. The Franciscan Monastery
Located in the Brookland neighborhood of DC, the Franciscan Monastery is a hidden gem for relaxation in Washington. The winding paths lined with flowers are perfect for a leisurely stroll. If you are looking for a place to sit and enjoy the tranquility, the cloisters surround a beautiful rose garden where you can partake in mindful reflection. To increase relaxation at the Franciscan Monastery, take a mindful moment to note the contrasting colors of the gray stones of the monastery and the lush greenery in the gardens.
4. Roosevelt Island
Theodore Roosevelt Island is another one of DC’s hidden gems. Located in the middle of the Potomac River, Roosevelt Island transports you from busy city living to an immersive nature experience. Footsteps away from DC, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the park while enjoying breathtaking views of the Potomac River and The Kennedy Center. When you visit the island, take a meandering walk through the wooden trails and marshes while observing the wildlife. As you enjoy the scenery, observe your surroundings and notice how you feel while connecting with nature!
5) The Bishop’s Garden
The Bishop’s Garden at the Washington National Cathedral in DC offers the tranquility that only fountains, ponds, greens, and #horticulture could. It can be challenging to find a space to truly decompress in a dense and vastly populated city. The Bishop’s Garden is a magical space to satiate the need for a serene Sunday or to decompress after a long day of work.
Building relaxation into your routine doesn’t need to be expensive or time intensive! Washington, DC has so many convenient places to relax and unwind. Taking time to unplug by going into nature, visiting a tranquil museum, and getting active are a few ways to decrease your stress levels on a consistent basis. Being able to unwind can help your overall mental health. If you experience difficulty managing stress and building relaxation into your routine, a therapist at the Sterling Group can help!
Begin Therapy for Stress in DC
Our team would love to support you with therapy services from our Washington, DC-based practice. We can work with you to develop self-care skills to help you more effectively manage stress and anxiety. To get started with therapy at The Sterling Group please follow these steps:
Schedule a consultation using our contact form.
Check out our team of caring therapists to see who would work best with you.
Start learning new self-care techniques!
Other Services at The Sterling Group
Our team knows that you may experience more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we offer a variety of services including life transitions, navigating relationships, coping with depression symptoms, and handle anxiety. We also specialize in ADHD and executive function support, trauma therapy, and therapy for self-discovery. For those in relationships, we offer guided couples therapy to improve your bond. Start your therapy journey today!
