Five Mindful Places to Visit in San Diego When You're Feeling Stressed During the Holidays
As Thanksgiving is coming round the corner, and other holidays are fast approaching, it’s easy to feel caught up in the holiday frenzy. Whether it’s traffic, shopping, or your full calendar, things just can seem crazy. It’s especially challenging while in eating disorder recovery, as there can be more triggers than usual this time of year. Sometimes you just need a peaceful place to go in San Diego where you can take deep breaths and soak in positive energy so you can feel grounded and renewed. I’ve asked top eating disorder therapists and dietitians in San Diego for their recommendations of mindful places to visit, and I’ve listed five of my favorites. Enjoy!
#1—Meditation Gardens in Encinitas
Eating disorder therapist Dr. Danielle Hiestand, LMFT, CEDS, stated, “Free beautiful gardens with a view of the ocean, there are multiple spots to sit quietly and practice mindfulness.” Dr. Megan Hellner, RD, eating disorder dietitian, also suggested, “meander around the gardens, sit quietly and meditate or just enjoy the silence and the view.”
#2—Sea Grove Park in Del Mar
Eating disorder dietitian Lindsay Stenovec, MS, RD, CEDRD shared, “One of my favorite places to de-stress is Sea Grove Park in Del Mar. I usually park near the shops off of Camino Del Mar and soak up the views on the way down 15th Street. Seagrove Park is a quiet grassy park on the cliffs of Del Mar, overlooking the ocean. It's great for lounging and you can also walk along the path that begins at the park. Highly recommend a visit!"
#3—Windansea Beach in La Jolla, CA
Eating disorder dietitian Theresa Carmichael, RD, said, “Tucked away in a quaint neighborhood with the most colorful sunsets almost every evening. It is a great place to meditate since this beach is typically not very busy. There are many benches and rocks to sit on. I have even seen people take their painting easels to this spot! There is a picture perfect spot you can watch the surfers right by the "palapa." Perfect place to read, paint, draw, journal, go for a walk or dip your toes in the cold water.
#4—Casa Guadalajara in Old Town, San Diego
Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall, eating disorder psychologist, described this place as “a wonderful restaurant with beautiful and colorful Mexican decor and INCREDIBLE food. It has a joyful energy and is a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.” I (Marianne) love this place, too! It’s a fun place to go that is decorated nicely for the holidays. Try eating outside under the colorful lights and the big tree (they have heat lamps—it’s so cozy!).
#5—San Diego Botanic Gardens in Encinitas
North county eating disorder dietitian Diana Wright, MS, RD, CEDRD, shared, “Enjoy the beautiful nature, art and "Botanic Wonderland" holiday nights! Great play areas for kids to explore!”
If you’re interested in contacting these amazing eating disorder professionals quoted in this blog post, you can click on their names below to find out their contact information:
Dr. Danielle Hiestand, LMFT, CEDS
Lindsay Stenovec, MS, RD, CEDRD
Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall, Clinical Psychologist
Much thanks to these fabulous women for their recommendations!!!
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Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog! Have a wonderful day. :)
Marianne
If you are struggling to find eating disorder treatment in San Diego, schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation using the online scheduler, and I will help you get where you need to be!
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