Greetings downtown Boulder!
I don’t know what it is about the start of a new year (and honestly just the first few sunny days in Boulder), but I always get the urge to reset my routine a little bit. Not in a dramatic “new year, new me” kind of way, more in a “I just want to feel a little more put together and grounded” kind of way. If there’s one thing I’ve learned since moving to Boulder, it’s that refreshing your routine feels a lot more doable here than it does anywhere else.
Boulder is known for its outdoor spaces, and I truly think that’s half the reason people here feel so energized. Sometimes the best reset isn’t booking anything major or life-changing, it’s just going for a walk downtown on a sunny afternoon or running along the creek path with the Flatirons in the background. Even just grabbing a coffee and strolling around downtown instantly enhances your day. There’s something about being outside here that shifts your mood without you even trying. I know for myself, if I’m ever in a bad mood, taking a walk and admiring the Flatirons completely changes the course of my day.
That being said… I’m also a big believer in pairing that outdoor energy with a few intentional stops.
One of the best ways to get back into a rhythm, which my friends are always telling me to do more of, is taking a class at Yoga Pearl. It’s such a staple, and what I love most is that it never feels intimidating. Whether you’re brand new to yoga, advanced, or somewhere in the middle like me, the vibe is always warm and welcoming. It feels grounding in the best way, and my friends and I always leave feeling calmer and clearer.
After moving your body, there’s nothing better than actually letting it relax. That’s where Symmetry 360 Massage comes in. If you’ve been holding onto winter tension, consider this your sign to book the massage or sauna session. It’s one of those things that feels like a treat, but honestly, should just be part of regular maintenance. Walking out feeling lighter is such an underrated reset.
And if your version of refreshing includes skincare (mine definitely does), stopping by Clean Your Dirty Face is such an easy way to do it. Their 30-minute facials make self-care feel realistic, even during a busy week. It’s quick, effective, and you genuinely walk out glowing. Sometimes something as simple as clearer skin makes you feel ten times more confident going into a new season.
I also sincerely believe that how you fuel yourself plays a huge role in how you feel. One of my favorite cozy-meets-seasonal spots downtown is River and Woods. Their rotating menus always highlight what’s fresh, and it’s the kind of place where you can slow down and actually enjoy your meal, especially outside on their gorgeous, wooded patio if it’s warm enough. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast to start your day or dinner outside with friends under the twinkle lights, the fresh, seasonal food makes it feel like the kind of meal that leaves you satisfied but still light.
What I love most about creating a little “wellness day” downtown is that everything is within walking distance. You can take yoga, step outside into the sunshine, grab a facial, book a massage, and end with a seasonal meal, all while enjoying the energy of downtown and the Flatirons in the background.
Refreshing your life doesn’t have to mean overhauling everything. Sometimes it’s just choosing to utilize downtown Boulder as your space- to move your body, step outside, take care of your skin, release tension, and sit down for a really good, body-fueling meal.
Until next time,
Ava