Self care is super important — and we know ignoring our own needs can be easy. Even though we live in the best city in the country (in our humble opinion), life still has a way of... life-ing sometimes. Whether that's another day of trying to find parking in Downtown or the long lines at Philz coffee when you just want your Silken Splendor — we hear ya.

So we wanted to give you six unique and fun ways to blow off steam in our city.

🔮 Get in touch with yourself

Let’s soak in serenity and sound baths. Find zen at Enlightened Meditation, where you can get your full first week of mediation classes for free. For some high frequency energy healing, head on to Dynamic Holistics in Willow Glen to participate in sessions with Owner Daniella Norsworthy as she utilizes crystal alchemy bowls, tuning forks, aromatherapy, and yoga Nidra meditation to help you find inner zen.

⚒️ Throw or break something

Sometimes meditation isn’t enough. So, what better way to release your stress than to break random objects at the recently opened Smash City Rage Room. This spot equips you with a baseball bat, golf club, or hammer to go complete nuts on a bunch of breakables in a safe room. In the same building, AxeVentures lets you feel the power of chucking sharp objects at a wall. They also have a glow-in-the-dark experience.

Chucking an axe at a wall can be a great stress reliever. | Photo courtesy AxeVentures

💪 Do a tough workout

If you can’t see yourself breaking objects, how about breaking a sweat? The new Hot 8 Yoga studio at Santana Row cranks up the heat and takes you through high energy sessions of yoga, pilates, and more. HOTWORX in Downtown places you in an infrared heat sauna while you complete an Isometric or HIIT session to maximize detoxification.

📣 Scream

Is your pillow not cutting it? No worries — try hiking to the top of the ridge at Joseph Grant County Park and screaming at the secluded lookout of San Jose. Another peak to screech at is Bald Mountain up in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. It’s about a half-mile hike from the lower parking lot and for ultimate seclusion, trek up in the morning when there’s little to no people around.

Climb to the top and let all your stress melt away. | Photo courtesy of Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society

🎤 Sing it out

No matter what singing skill level you’re at, belting out the lyrics to a banger feels pretty good. Head over to IDOL Karaoke or 7 Bamboo Lounge to sing your stress away. Pro tip: If you’re on the shy side but still want to rock out, IDOL Karaoke has private rooms. If you want an audience, 7 Bamboo is the place for you.

🕯️ Express yourself

Creative activities are a great way to de-stress and put your energy into something positive. Craft your own calming candle at Glow Lounge in Willow Glen, where you can choose the shape, fragrance, and add-ons to customize your creation. Or take a spin on the pottery wheel at Higher Fire clayspace + gallery. They offer six-week courses where you can create up to 10 to 12 items within the program and take your own tool kit, clay, and glazes for use afterwards.