8 Things to Do in New York During the Colder Months to Help Alleviate Burnout
While summer is here and doing outdoor activities is still pleasant (for now), I want to help you consider activities you can do that will help combat your burnout in the colder months. I know, it’s only September and the chilly temperatures don’t really kick in until late October, but I want to help you really think about your future self and consider how your mental well-being could improve if you shifted from living a life focused on prevention (i.e., before things go to shit) and not just intervention.
Even though this cycle happens every year (e.g., feeling refreshed in the spring and summer and burnt out by the fall and winter), you may be uncertain about how to break it. One of the best ways to mitigate burnout is to stay connected to the things that feel meaningful to you. Whether that’s visiting family or immersing yourself in nature, doing the things that make you feel whole can invigorate your sense of purpose and passion which are great antidotes to burnout. Fortunately, New York City offers a plethora of activities perfectly suited for the colder months that can help shake off burnout. Here are eight ways to make the most of New York City during the colder months I recommend as a burnout therapist:
1. Enjoy a Broadway Show
If you enjoy the arts, then this one’s for you. Broadway is synonymous with New York City, and seeing a show is a must-do during the colder months. The spirit of live theater can transport you to another world, providing a much-needed mental break. Whether you prefer a classic musical or a new play, there's something for everyone. Booking a matinee can be a great way to avoid the evening crowds and enjoy a relaxing day out. This fall and winter, you can enjoy The Notebook, The Great Gatsby, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, and more.
2. Visit the Botanical Gardens
The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offer stunning indoor exhibits during the colder months. These indoor gardens provide a warm and serene environment filled with beautiful plants and flowers, creating a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Attend a Yoga or Meditation Class
This goes without saying (and I’ll say it anyway), staying active in the colder months is imperative to alleviating or getting ahead of your burnout. Winter is an ideal time to focus on inner well-being through yoga or meditation. Studios like Sky Ting Yoga and Yoga Tribe offer classes tailored for all levels. Engaging in regular yoga or meditation practice helps reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost overall mood. Many studios provide heated classes, which are particularly comforting during the cold months. The focus on breath and movement in yoga can help you feel more centered and relaxed. And if you aren’t able to leave your home, spaces like BIPOC Meditation Collective offer weekly virtual classes.
4. Visit Bryant Park’s Winter Village
From October 25th to early 2025, you can enjoy the Winter Village at Bryant Park if connecting with family or celebrating the holidays is your thing. The Winter Village at Bryant Park features holiday shops, food vendors, and an ice-skating rink that creates a festive atmosphere. And when you’ve gotten your fill there, you can also enjoy other winter festivals around New York City, including The New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show. It showcases model trains zipping through replicas of New York landmarks made from natural materials.
5. Explore Indoor Markets
Winter is a great time to explore New York City's indoor markets. Chelsea Market, for example, offers a variety of food vendors, shops, and unique finds. The Grand Central Market in Grand Central Terminal is another excellent spot to discover gourmet foods and artisanal products. Wandering through these markets can be a sensory delight, offering new tastes, smells, and sights that can lift your spirits and provide a refreshing change of pace.
6. Take a Cooking Class
Perhaps you find meaning when you can create. Engaging in a cooking class can be a fun and creative way to spend a winter day. New York City offer a wide range of classes, from baking and pastry making to international cuisine. Places like Hudson Table in Brooklyn offers hands-on classes that cater to all skill levels. Cooking can be a relaxing and rewarding activity, providing a creative outlet and a delicious end result. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and learn new skills.
7. Take a Winter Walk
Despite the temperatures dropping, getting sufficient vitamin D is imperative to preventing burnout during the colder months. Research shows that we are more likely to feel depressed and burnt out during fall and winter due to decreased time spent outdoors (and thus lack of sunlight rich in vitamin D). So, throw on an extra layer of thermal clothing and walk around parks like Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, Greenbelt in Staten Island, or Flushing Meadows in Queens. Of course, there is always Central Park in Manhattan, (and my favorite) Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
8. Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity, and New York City offers several iconic locations to lace up your skates. The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink in Central Park, and Bryant Park’s Winter Village are popular spots. Ice skating in these beautiful settings, surrounded by the city’s twinkling lights, can be a joyful and invigorating experience that helps shake off the winter blues.
Final Thoughts as a Burnout Therapist in New York
Winter in New York City doesn’t have to be a time of hibernation and gloom. By taking advantage of the city’s myriad indoor and outdoor activities, you can find numerous ways to lift your spirits and alleviate burnout. Whether it’s immersing yourself in culture, enjoying the outdoors, or indulging in self-care, the city offers countless opportunities to prioritize the things that matter to you most. Embrace the season and explore all that New York has to offer during the colder months – your future self with thank you.
Ready to Combat Burnout Before It Hits? Let’s Make This Winter Different.
We all know how the colder months can sneak up and leave us feeling drained and burnt out, but it doesn’t have to be that way this year. By staying connected to what feels meaningful and making space for yourself, you can prevent burnout before it even starts. If you’re ready to dig deeper into preventing burnout and creating a personalized plan, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to get ahead of burnout before winter sets in!
Learn more about burnout recovery by reading my blogs.
Discover how these winter events can help you prevent burnout.
Other Services I Offer Online Anywhere in New York
Life brings many unique challenges, and I am here to support you every step of the way. In addition to burnout therapy, Lavender Therapy offers specialized services to help you navigate through different phases and experiences. Anywhere in New York, I offer therapy for postpartum and pregnancy concerns, therapy for women, family planning therapy, and therapy for infertility and pregnancy loss.
About The Author:
Dr. Ruby Rhoden is a New York-based Licensed Psychologist who is dedicated to uplifting women through life changes and challenges, including reproduction. She understands how unhelpful behavior patterns and mental health disorders uniquely impact women and uses evidence-based techniques to usher in sustainable change and relief. With a focus on helping clients reconnect with themselves and find effective self-care strategies, Dr. Ruby provides personalized therapy to address the root causes of burnout. Dr. Ruby is also dedicated to helping women develop healthier habits and relationships with themselves and their bodies so that they can connect to others and the world around them again. Dr. Ruby studied at Cornell University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for her Bachelor's and Doctoral degrees, respectively. In her free time, she enjoys watching reality TV, supporting small businesses, and writing blog posts to remind all women that they are not alone.
