How to Unwind in the City

written by Lily O’Brien | graphic & design by Emily Snisarenko

How to Unwind in Boston When You’re Short on Time

Living in Boston has many perks: it’s an educational hub, it has amazing food, and it’s rich in culture. However, living here can also cause stress that often comes along with living in a big city. In a city as big and bustling as Boston, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed— especially in an era where being stressed is considered synonymous with success.

If you’re trying to unwind between classes or just need a quick break, here are some relaxing activities in Boston that can be done in an hour:

Take a Walk by the Charles River

The Charles is a huge tourist destination, but many locals often overlook it. With its proximity to BU’s campus, it’s the perfect way to relax and get some exercise during a study break. You can access the esplanade by crossing the footbridge near 140 Bay State Road, or by crossing the BU Bridge to get a view back across the river at BU’s campus!

Livestream a Class with Boston Yoga Union:

Voted Boston’s indie Best of Boston yoga studio, Boston Yoga Union offers livestream classes that you can do right from your apartment or dorm as a quick way to unwind. This local studio provides hour-long Zoom classes for all levels. Two weeks of unlimited virtual classes are only $35!

If you need to take a little bit more time to counteract the stress of being a college student in Boston, there are plenty of activities that can still help you unwind without taking up your whole day. Try taking three hours to relax with some of these activities:

G2O Spa & Salon

This local spa is the perfect place if you’re looking to de-stress and treat yourself. Located on Newbury Street, this spa offers cutting edge treatments and has even been redesigned to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

Boston’s Waterfront

If you want to get away from campus for a little bit, take a few hours to stroll along Boston’s piers on the harbor. The view and the sea breeze are the perfect combination to combat a stressful day. If that’s not enough, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes in Boston’s Waterfront neighborhood.

While it’s always nice to take a few hours in the day to unwind, taking an entire day to focus on mental health every once in a while is crucial.

Day Trip to Cape Cod

Even in the winter, a change of scenery and ocean view is a solid option if you need to take the day to focus on you and get away from the city. Taking the train is always an option, but BU students can also rent a car through Zipcar at discounted rates.