De-stress and Compress: Ways to find peace and relax when you live in a busy city

Jenelle here- Billy‘s intern- to fill you in on some of the best ideas and unique spa treatments that Chicago has to offer so you can feel the most rejuvenated come summer’s end. Summer can be quite an eventful few months filled with street & music festivals, endless nights out on the town or just the day-to-day hustle of our busy lives. Unsurprisingly, Chicago ranks among the three most stressed-out cities in the U.S., especially when you factor in the painstaking traffic & construction this year and those overcrowded, hot CTA bus & train rides. It is easy to get all wrapped in these daily habits, and we tend to forget to give our bodies a break and focus on some much need “me-time.” Stress, especially if it becomes chronic, has been found to play a role in various health problems such as asthma, depression, diabetes and even cancer and heart attacks

So as summer comes to a close, we’re all either head back to full work weeks or to cranking out those hours in school, finding the ability to unplug whenever possible is key. Luckily, Chicago is filled with plenty of hidden gems and opportunities to achieve the tranquility our bodies crave, and I’m here give you the scoop! Prepare those bodies for the harsh winter and check out some of these ultra relaxing and interesting things to do to help you unwind.

Bottom Line Yoga (141 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604)

With all we have going on in our lives, don’t you sometimes wish you could have nap time again, like when we were kids? Well you can channel your inner preschooler at Bottom Line Yoga with their daily afternoon nap space from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. With plush mats, pillows and blankets already provided, it is a perfect way to spend your lunch break to boost your productivity and alertness to get you through the rest of your day. If you are looking to take that nap before you start your busy work day, the space also transitions into a “mindful space” from 8:30 a.m to 9:45 a.m.

IVMe Wellness + Performance (1347 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610)

Have a killer hangover from all that partying over the weekend, how about a nasty cold that just won’t go away, or just plain fatigued & jet lagged from the hustle and bustle? Head over to IVMe where a doctor can concoct  the perfect remedy of appropriate vitamins and meds that stops everything from heartburn, to nausea, to headaches. You can even add an oxygen tank and a energy-boosting B12 shot to your visit!

Osaka Garden (6401 S. Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60637)

Take a relaxing stroll in the beautiful Japanese gardens nestled on the north end of the Wooden Island in historic Jackson Park. You will feel inspired and at peace by the natural beauty of its traditional Japanese-style elements that you will forget you are even in Chicago. With calming lagoons, lush trees, and arching moon bridges with winding paths, Osaka Garden is the perfect place to clear your mind from the busy city.

Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022)

Another relaxing gem to visit to get away from city life are the beautiful Chicago Botanic Gardens. With nearly 400 acres of land around nine islands and 26 gardens, it is impossible to not find the perfect spot to release all your stress. You can also feel even more rejuvenated by taking some health & wellness classes throughout the Gardens with Fitness walks, Tai Chi, Yoga and more. If you don’t feel like getting too active, get comfortable on the relaxing tram tours that take you through the colorful landscape of the Gardens.

Spacetime Tanks (2526 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60614)

Let your mind wander to an ethereal, meditative state at Spacetime Tanks in Lincoln Park. You float weightlessly in the secluded tranquility of warm salt water as the tanks are ventilated with a mixture of ozone, hydrogen peroxide and diatomite earth filters. This unique experience is guaranteed to relieve you of any stress, tension and anxiety you may have to ultimately rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. In only an hour, you will be ready to handle the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s buzzing city effortlessly.

Salt Caves- Galoscaves (6501 W. Irving Park Rd.)

Unwind in the first every salt-iodine cave created in the U.S off Irving Park Road at Galos Caves. You experience ultimate relaxation as you surround yourself with an artificially made sea microclimate, dim lights and tranquil music in your ears. Using 100% Black Sea salt, the cave’s atmosphere is beneficial to help treat respiratory diseases, digestive tract problems, and dermatological blemishes. Sit back, relax and shuffle those toes around to achieve a little peace in your busy life.

VALEO Spa (151 W. Adams St. Chicago, IL 60603)

Rejuvenate your stress levels, Turkish style at VALEO spa with their unique Clarity Cleanse. Your mind and body will feel cleansed as you lay on a heated marble belly stone as hot water and bubbles are poured over you. Following that is a lotion massage on another heated marble stone that leaves you feeling the most tranquil you could ever imagine feeling in Chicago’s busy windy city.