From therapeutic massage at Oma Chiropractic and Wellness to a soothing mani-pedi at Barefoot Beauty, here are some of the best ways to love yourself on Queen Street East in Toronto’s Riverside whether you’re on the go, on a break, or even on a budget.
Self-care is all about taking actions that contribute to the maintenance and well-being of your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
With demands from work, family, friends, and the daily grind in general, it can be far too easy to forget about taking care of the most important person in your life. YOU! With February being the Month of Love in Toronto’s Riverside, we want to share with you some of the products, services, classes, and workshops in the ‘hood that’ll help you live a more pampered version of yourself starting today:
Barefoot Beauty
643 Queen St E
Not only will you leave here with Instagram-worthy nails but you can use your mani-pedi as a time-out. Barefoot Beauty’s self-care philosophy is not only about enriching yourself physically, but also emotionally. Even the smallest acts of self-care, such as treating yourself to an extra 10 minutes of massage during your pedicure has been shown to reduce stress and its negative effects, including high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.
Clinique de Mode
750 Queen St E
A facial may seem like a bit of an indulgence, but it’s also a huge confidence booster which can have a positive ripple effect in all areas of your life. In addition to Botox, microneedling, and laser hair removal, Clinique de Mode also offers a non-invasive yet deep cleansing hydra facial that’ll leave your skin feeling fresh and clean. You’re guaranteed to walk away with a lasting youthful glow from the inside out.
Framewrk
9 Davies Ave, Unit 206
A daily dose of exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It keeps you strong, burns off nervous energy, releases toxins, and provides you with a much-needed break from sitting at a computer all day. Nothing says ‘Dear me, I love you’ like breaking a sweat. Framewrk on Davies Avenue (which you can now join for a 30-day introductory offer of $45) offers a variety of classes that’ll get you moving and feeling fantastic in no time, or at the very least in time for spring.
Try ‘Essentrics’ with Owner and Instructor Josephine Cuthill (at right)
Oma Chiropractic and Wellness
1 Munro St
This hub of health and wellness is Riverside’s home depot of self-love. Choose from massage therapy, chiropractic care, reflexology, or go all out with Oma’s New You Program designed to nourish and reset those of us who may feel sore, tired, and all-around blah. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel that way this time of year? This program includes one-on-one coaching sessions, six chiropractic treatments, three one-hour massages, and three naturopath appointments. Oma also hosts a number of wellness workshops if you’re just getting your feet wet in the self-care department.
Chi Junky
70 McGee St
From more energy to less weight, the benefits of yoga are endless. The Chi Junky Studio & Wellness Centre in Riverside offers a variety of yoga classes seven days a week. They’re perfect for self-love newbies and a great way to get your physical, mental, and spiritual juices flowing. Most importantly, regular yoga will help you feel more relaxed, especially the Candlelight Yin + Chill class that finishes off with an essential oil massage.
The Chi Junky herself, Rachelle Wintzen
If you’re new to self-care and just realizing now the importance of you, make one of these a part of your daily, weekly, or monthly routine. You’ll love yourself for it.
Images courtesy of Riverside BIA members
How do you practice self-care? Do you have a favourite product, service, or class in Riverside you would like to tell us about? We’d love to hear from you!
Karen Lloyd is a writer, photographer and website designer in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood. This blog is part of the series giving you the inside scoop on Riverside, Toronto. Read other blogs in the series: Riverside Patios, Places to Stay in Riverside, Brunch Spots, Health & Wellness in Riverside, Kid-Friendly Riverside, Event & Catering Spots, and Riverside Chefs