The New Year has begun and like the earth, our bodies and minds are gravitating towards restoration. The Holiday hustle and bustle has come to an end leaving us searching for new ways to fill our time. As the season shifts, many people experience changes in mood, energy, and sleep. During the winter season, we are expected to continue at the same pace we did when the days seemed longer and warmer. To help balance the shift of seasons, consider these tips to help you create space to embrace rest and restoration and to keep stimulated during the winter months.
1. Keep active: check your local weather forecast on a daily basis and try to take advantage of the ‘warmer’ winter days by going for walks, ice-skating or by grabbing a coffee at a local café and taking a stroll through a Hamilton BIA. Ottawa Street N has a ton of indoor fitness and wellness programs available to keep you active on those bitter cold winter days. Momentum Fitness is a 24/7 fitness club located at 299 Ottawa Street N, their goal is to change the way people think and feel about exercise by creating fun, innovative and accessible fitness experiences. They offer one-on-one personal training, group classes and individualized fitness plans. They are currently offering 50% off registration fees for the month of January, so it’s the perfect time to sign up and get fit! Visit getmomentum.ca for details!
In Fine Feather Yoga, located at 219 Ottawa Street N truly believes in the mental and physical benefits of the yoga practice. Owner Helena McKinney believes that people come to yoga for many different reasons, to relax, de-stress, to gain strength, flexibility or to overcome an injury. In Fine Feather and the instructors hope to offer a space that inspires consciences, stability, greater health and mindfulness for all yogis. For more information and for class schedules visit infinefeatheryoga.com
2. Take care of your body: In Fine Feather has an in-house Registered Dietitian and Energy Medicine Practitioner, Jennifer Bolus. Jennifer is an educator, leader and visionary with a passion for mind-body-soul health. Jennifer teaches and shares the message of Whole Health; how to nourish mind, body, and spirit to consciously create the health you desire and deserve by listening to and learning to work with your unique self. Follow the Whole Health Motto “Get the inside right and the outside will fall into place.” To contact Jennifer or to book a Whole Health Integrative Health session with her at In Fine Feather Yoga contact: info@jenniferbolus.com or visit www.jenniferbolus.com
Massage therapy is well known as a popular treatment for the relief of sports injuries, strains, and muscle soreness, but its benefits are more than just physical: it is also an effective way to alleviate depression and anxiety and improve quality of sleep. Aloft RMT is located at 327 Ottawa Street N, Aloft focuses on providing a variety of therapeutic massage techniques to their clients, whether deeper pressure or a lighter touch is required, they take cues from the client to determine what works best. Owner Maureen is trained in traditional Swedish massage methods and has completed training to incorporate acupuncture and cupping where they are appropriate and comfortable for clients. For more information or to book an appointment visit aloftrmt.janeapp.com
Ottawa Registered Massage is located at 270 Ottawa Street N they offer various professional massage therapy treatments from deep tissue and facial massage to foot reflexology and acupuncture. Hot Stone Massage is one of their most popular services, here heated stones are used to offer a soothing experience, reduce tension, ease muscle stiffness and increase blood circulation. For more information or to book an appointment visit www.ottawaregisteredmassage.com
The Wax Lounge is a 5 star, award-winning, eco-conscious spa that uses only the highest quality, all-natural, cruelty-free products and ingredients. They offer a variety of holistic treatments such as holistic facials, relaxation & deep tissue massage, reflexology, and Reiki. Their Lymphatic Detox Massage uses blended essential oils and jade rollers as well as dry brushing. This helps optimize the lymph system to strengthen the immune system and reduce fluid retention. For more information or to book an appointment visit thewaxlounge.ca
3. Take care of your mind: Resist the urge to go into hibernation mode over the next few months, there are plenty of activities you can do with friends throughout the city that will help keep your mind active and stimulate creativity. Black Sheep Snack Bar at 189 Ottawa Street N hosts a Monday trivia night, so grab a group of friends and head to Black Sheep Snack Bar for a serious brain workout, you can probably sneak in a drink or two while you’re at it! blacksheepsnackbar.com
Workshops are a great way to enjoy a night out with friends or to independently learn a new skill. They invoke creativity and offer a unique, one of a kind experience. Ottawa Street N has a variety of fun unique workshops available throughout the year. The Painted Bench is known for their fun, interactive Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan workshops, you can “Make it Your Own with Annie Sloan” and discover how easy it is to paint, distress and wax your way to a perfect finish! During this workshop you will use your favourite techniques, a little stenciling, and some wax to create the perfect piece to take home and display. The Painted Bench is now offering Paint & Wine Nights along with two new workshops, “Scrabble Love” and a “Personalized Serving Tray”. So round up your friends and head to The Painted Bench for a fun-filled evening of painting & vino. For a full list of workshops visit thepaintedbench.ca
Wick’d Wax Creations Inc. offers DIY “Wick your Wax!” Candle Making Classes at 203 Ottawa Street N, in this workshop you will be creating 2 signature12.5oz lidded glass jar candles as well as a box of 32 tea lights. Looking to book a private group outing? Book 4-6 people and you can pick your own, private class date. Visit wickdwaxcreations.com for a full schedule of winter workshop dates.
Prouse Pottery & Soap Co. located at 116 Ottawa Street N offers a variety of pottery classes and workshops from beginner to intermediate. In addition, they also offer other creative workshops with guest instructors including, but not limited to painting, drawing, fiber arts, card making, scrapbooking and so much more. Intro to Soap Making, Bath Bombs 101 and Scentology are just a few examples of the classes scheduled for January. Intro to Wheel is a great opportunity to try your hand at pottery, guided by highly experienced instructors; this is a beginner level class and can open up a world of possibilities! Visit prousepotteryandsoap.com for a full workshop schedule.
Shabbyfufu Studio located at 211 Ottawa Street N offers a variety of workshops throughout the year, sign up now for their Design a Valentine Heart “Girls Night Out” workshop, in this fun & relaxed 2hr workshop you will design your own Wooden Decor Heart with FAT ARTISAN PAINT & DIY CLAY PAINT and embellish them using Iron Orchid molds & transfers with decoupage papers. Refreshments & snacks are provided. Visit https://www.facebook.com/shabbyfufustudio/ to register.
