10 Wellness Practices to Commit to This Year and Where to Do Them in NYC

Written By Krizia Cantres

Wellness doesn’t have to mean a complete personality overhaul or a 6 a.m. wake-up call. Sometimes it’s about choosing one hour, one habit, or one space that helps you reset. This year, think less about doing everything and more about doing a few things consistently—and doing them well.

Here are 10 wellness practices worth committing to this year, plus the best places in NYC to make each one feel intentional, elevated, and doable.

1. Sauna + Cold Plunge (At Least Once a Month)

Heat, cold, repeat. The contrast boosts circulation, helps with stress regulation, and leaves you feeling clear-headed and energized.

Where in NYC:

  • Othership (Flatiron & Williamsburg) – Guided sauna + ice bath experiences with breathwork

  • Bathhouse (Williamsburg / Flatiron) – Beautiful, social-but-zen thermal circuit

  • AIRE Ancient Baths (Tribeca) – Candlelit pools when you want something indulgent

2. Weekly Pilates or Sculpt (Non-Negotiable)

Low-impact doesn’t mean low results. Pilates and sculpt classes build strength, improve posture, and support long-term mobility.

Where in NYC:

  • SLT – Lagree-style burn that delivers every time

  • CorePower Yoga – Clean, modern, yoga-focused

  • Forma Pilates (West Village) – Small classes, major results

3. Intentional Walking (No Headphones)

Walking without distractions is one of the simplest ways to regulate your nervous system and clear mental clutter.

Where in NYC:

  • Central Park Loop or Reservoir – Classic, grounding

  • West Side Highway – Sunset walks = instant mood shift

  • Brooklyn Heights Promenade – Calm, scenic, reflective

4. One Hour of Creative Solitude a Week

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for processing, clarity, and joy. Journal, sketch, read, or simply think.

Where in NYC:

  • The Public Hotel Lobby (daytime) – Surprisingly perfect for writing

  • Devoción (Williamsburg) – Light-filled and calm

  • The New York Public Library (Rose Main Reading Room) – Quiet luxury energy

5. Consistent Massage or Bodywork

Think of bodywork as maintenance, not a luxury. Monthly (or even bi-monthly) sessions can dramatically reduce tension and improve sleep.

Where in NYC:

  • The Well – Clinical meets holistic

  • Sage + Sound – Energy-forward and deeply restorative

  • Resonant Body (SoHo) – For targeted, therapeutic work

6. Morning Matcha or Coffee Ritual (Out of the House)

Starting your day somewhere beautiful—without rushing—sets the tone for everything that follows.

Where in NYC:

  • Maru (Williamsburg) – A classic for a reason

  • La Cabra (SoHo / East Village) – Calm, minimalist, intentional

  • Ralph’s Coffee (UWS / SoHo) – Cozy and grounding

7. Breathwork or Meditation (Once a Week)

Breathwork helps release stored stress and recalibrate your nervous system—especially when life feels nonstop.

Where in NYC:

  • Inscape – Structured, accessible meditation sessions

  • Sage + Sound – Breathwork + sound baths

  • MNDFL – Straightforward, no-pressure meditation

8. A Monthly Digital Detox Afternoon

No notifications. No multitasking. Just being present—with a book, a notebook, or your thoughts.

Where in NYC:

  • SoHo or Nolita cafés (weekday afternoons are ideal)

  • The Met Museum – Slow wandering counts as meditation

  • The Cloisters – Peaceful, transportive, and quiet

9. Strength Training (2x a Week)

Strength is foundational for longevity, confidence, and resilience—especially as we become increasingly busy.

Where in NYC:

  • Tone House – High-energy, athletic focus

  • Dogpound – Structured, intense, results-driven

  • Equinox – Reliable, flexible, everywhere

10. One “Wellness Date” a Month (With Yourself or a Friend)

Wellness can—and should—be social. Make space for connection without the pressure of productivity.

Where in NYC:

  • AIRE Ancient Baths – Ultimate reset together

  • Great Jones Spa – Easy, classic spa day

  • Yoga class + lunch in the West Village – Simple, grounding, joyful

Final Thought

Wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about designing a life that supports you. NYC can be chaotic, but it also offers endless opportunities to slow down, reconnect, and choose yourself—again and again.

Pick two or three practices from this list. Commit to them. Let the rest unfold naturally.

Your future self will thank you.

Krizia Cantres
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