Self-Care Ideas in Denver for Anxiety: Calm, Low-Stress Ways to Spend Time Alone
By Jordan Kurtz, MA, LPC, Anxiety Therapist in Denver, CO
If anxiety has been high lately, you’ve probably noticed that not all “self-care” actually helps. Some things feel overstimulating. Others feel like too much effort. And sometimes, staying home doesn’t help either.
What actually makes a difference is finding activities that meet your nervous system where it’s at - whether that’s leaning into quiet and stillness, engaging your creative side, or connecting socially in a low-pressure, gentle way.
If you’re searching for self-care ideas in Denver that feel calming, not overwhelming, this guide is designed to help you find options that support you in a real, practical way.
Denver Self-Care Activities by Category
Below, we compile a series of events, locations, and practices to attend solo or with loved ones within the Denver area that promote self-care and intentional attunement to the emotions that live within us and are often the catalyst for anxiety. Want to learn more about how anxiety is linked to our deeper, unprocessed emotions and trauma? Read our previous blog on reframing anxiety.
Community-Style Dining in Denver (Great for Solo Nights)
Denver Central Market (2669 Larimer St): meat/fish counters, taqueria, bakery, pizzeria, ice cream, and more located centrally downtown
Avanti (3200 N Pecos St): East coast eatery, paleo bowls, pizzeria, pho and more seated above downtown Denver
Stanley Marketplace (2501 Dallas St): breweries, biscuits, pizzeria, salads, coffee, burgers and more in addition to cooking classes in Aurora
Creative Self-Care Activities in Denver for Relaxation
Ink Lounge (29 S Fox): screen printing with shirts, towels, pillows, etc
Wood Works Studio (2555 S Santa Fe): wood working
The Terrorium Shop (4416 Yates St): taxidermy, insect pinning, terrarium building, etc
The Furnace (8090 W Colfax Ave): glass blowing
Fancy Tiger Crafts (59 Broadway): knitting, sewing, loom weaving
Spiritual & Metaphysical Shops in Denver for Self-Reflection
Ritual Cravt (7700 W 44th Ave Unit 1): aura readings, spiritual cleansings, tarot cards, crystals, apothecary
Alchemy Ritual Goods (2700 Arapahoe St #101): tarot readings, spiritual and self help books, incense, crystals, reiki, astrology readings
Movement-Based Self-Care in Denver to Regulate Your Nervous System
Yoga
Rooted Heart (1409 Ogden Street): former home of CZTG Yoga Group!
Guided by Humanity (3496 S Broadway): neurodivergent and disability friendly yoga
Samadhi Yoga (639 E 19th): all levels; community events, workshops and retreats
Dance
Aerial Cirque Over Denver (4605 Quebec St. Central Park Neighborhood): aerial skills, trapeze, hoop and hammock; adults only
Studio 3sixT (2553 S Colorado Blvd #109LL): pole dancing fundamentals; drop ins and class packs available
Bella Diva World Dance (4309 E Mississippi Ave): international focus- belly dance, Bollywood, Hula, Tahitian, Ginga Vibe, Samba, and Persian
Dance2B (1917 Market St): most comprehensive program (variety and schedule) of adult beginner ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, etc
Climbing
Movement Englewood (1050 W Hampden): newest and largest rock climbing gym in Denver area
G1 Climbing (Broomfield): locally owned; community events
Denver Bouldering Club (Thornton, Sheridan, and Downtown): 24/7 access for members; highest climber turnover rate
Walking
Sloan’s Lake (Edgewater)
Washington Park (University Park)
City Park (North Denver)
Cherry Creek Reservoir & State Park (Aurora/Hampden)
Live Music, Theater & Movies in Denver for Relaxation
Movie Theaters
Movie Pass: sound familiar? Re-engage with a revamped, customizable plan based on a number of credits that allows you to see more movies at participating theaters for cheaper (i.e. 34 credit plan permits up to 2 movies per month for approximately $20).
Independently owned art-house theaters to support local folks and support diversity in film:
Chez Artiste (4150 E Amherst Ave)
Sie FilmCenter (2510 E Colfax Ave)
The Esquire (590 Downing St)
Mayan Theater (110 Broadway)
Dance/Theater
Denver Center for the Performing Arts: a central hub for musical, theatrical, and operatic experiences
Newman Center for the Performing Arts (2344 E Illiff Ave): located just blocks away from CZTG!
Live Music
Featuring lesser known, smaller venues that host eclectic artists (We already know about you, Red Rocks!)
Gothic Theatre (3263 S Broadway)
Mercury Café (2199 California St)
Levitt Pavilion (1380 W Florida Ave): offers 50 free concerts per year
Bluebird Theater (3317 E Colfax Ave)
Summit Music Hall (1902 Blake St)
Lost Lake Lounge (3602 E Colfax Ave)
Globe Hall (4483 Logan St)
The Skylark Lounge (140 S Broadway)
Hi-Dive (7 S Broadway)
Craving more ideas? Explore our previous post on places to visit in denver to calm your anxiety.
When Self-Care Isn’t Enough: Anxiety Therapy in Denver
As a team of Denver anxiety therapists, we won’t say we’re entirely unbiased in emphasizing ongoing therapy as a stellar form of self care. Whether you work with an anxiety therapist on our team or elsewhere, making the commitment to yourself is one of the most research-backed ways to bring consistent support into your life. Explore more about our approach to therapy and reach out with any questions - we’d love to connect with you!
Reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consult call to see if couples therapy is right for you
Connect with the Denver anxiety therapist of your choice via a phone consult.
Begin the process of healing in anxiety therapy!
Meet The Writer: Jordan Kurtz, Anxiety Therapist in Denver, CO.
Jordan Kurtz (she/her) is a trauma and relationship therapist at CZ Therapy Group who focuses on therapy for grief, trauma, adolescence, and couples. Jordan is trained in EMDR, EFT couples therapy, and other trauma and attachment-based methods of therapy. Her approach is entirely authentic, warm, and affirming of her clients’ identities and experiences.