Finding calm in the city that never sleeps

For all the bright lights, society schmoozing and celebrity spotting that takes place in New York, you’d be forgiven for assuming it’s a place to party rather than push pause. Like Las Vegas, it’s a destination to visit when you’re springing with energy and enthused by the thought of not sleeping. For a week. Maybe two if you can handle it.
But here’s the real deal. Unless you’re Lindsay Lohan, you can’t sustain that level of intensity for any longer than a few short weeks. And after living in New York for four months, I’m the first to admit that there is calm in the city that never sleeps – you just have to be able (and willing) to find it. Here, my simple tips for taking the slow route around Manhattan. No invites required!
1. Find the secret garden
Despite its reputation as a concrete jungle, New York is the proud owner of a number of spectacular gardens. Aside from the obvious Central Park, I highly recommend the High Line – a converted train track that fuses grass with art and gorgeous city views.
It does get busy in summer though, so if you’re looking for a place to keep calm and carry on, head to The Elevated Acre in the Financial District (55 Water St. b/w Old Slip and Broad St). This hidden gem offers breathtaking views of some of New York’s best sights, including Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge and the East River, thanks to its tranquil location 40 feet in the air.

If you’re prepared to travel, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens host regular events for the green thumb wanting to escape the city noise, while the New York Botanical Garden has a glorious exhibition on until October 21st 2012 in which the garden that inspired Claude Monet’s great works is explored.

Not into the whole flower thing? Head to Governors Island for a relaxing day perched in the middle of the Upper New York Bay (open every Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Monday (Memorial Day and Labor Day) from May 26-September 30).

2. Switch fast food for real food
Sure, there’s a fast food restaurant on every second corner, but somewhere between all those upsized fries and burger joints, sits a menagerie of incredible whole-food eateries that make you feel calm just by walking in.

Let’s start with ABC Kitchen – a restaurant that promises local, organic, original food that, in my opinion, tastes like a little slice of heaven. Bonus points for the rooftop garden. Go there, it’s a must!

OK guys, this one might be harder to sell to you, but in all honesty, raw food has never tasted as good as it does at Pure Food & Wine. Yep, you read right, it’s all raw, but you wouldn’t know it after one mouthful of their lasagne. Head there for lunch for the best value for money and prepare to be shocked. Once you’ve fallen in love, skip over to One Lucky Duck – Pure’s little sister – for a takeaway plate of your favourite dish.

As a foodie, finding my calm often involves culinary delights. If you find this too and are on the lookout for healthy options in New York City, here’s a quick snap shot of some of my other favourite haunts…

Bare Burger – for when you get those cravings
Chelsea Markets – for a slice of foodie heavenCandle Cafe – for organic vegan food that’s straight from the farm

Organic Avenue – for juices and clean things

Stogos Ice Cream – for those moments when you just want something sweet, but without dairy, sugar or nasties.
3. Find your flow
If there is one place in the world that’s in touch with the latest workouts, spiritual trends or weekend retreats, it’s New York.
From Barry’s Bootcamp to Hiking Yoga, the Big Apple really does have it all. If you can spare the time, or your legs still have spirit after all that walking, why not test out one of New York’s most prestigious yoga studios – Pure Yoga. Voted best yoga two years running by New York Magazine, this is one space worth visiting if you want to find your flow.
For something totally different, why not hop aboard the Spirit Seeker? This floating wellness centre offers Reiki, meditation and yoga excursions for those looking for spirituality amongst the high seas.

And finally, if you’re a bit of a cycle nerd, you have to try SoulCycle. This isn’t your ordinary spin class. Oh no, this is spinning generation 2.0. Fusing the athletic sensibilities of cycling with house music and yoga-inspired mantras about remaining in the present, this whole-body workout is an experience not to be missed.

4. It’s New York. Go shopping!
Sure, there’s 5th Avenue and Soho, but they’re not going to bring you peace. Here’s a tip: New York has the most amazing smorgasbord of boutiques, market stalls and street fairs in the world, all housing quaint, affordable brands that you’ll be proud to wear.

Like Urban Om, a new range of yoga lifestyle jewellery that’s less yoga, more lifestyle. With a quirky combination of pewter and modern design ideas, this cute little range is worth hunting for at Wanderlust Festival in Vermont, Bhakti Fest and online.

My ‘real’ job is a beauty editor, so sniffing out beauty boutiques is my crack. If you’re in the same boat, head to Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) for their delightful range of vegan makeup, as well as Shen Beauty in Brooklyn – a one stop shop for all things naturally fabulous.

They say New York is the city that never sleeps, but amid the chaos basks a wishing-well of truly inspirational, grounding, enlightening experiences that really do beat a jug of beer and a burger with fries. I guess the Big Apple is tasty, after all.