A Moment of Self Care in NYC

Hello friends,

If you’ve ever felt like New York City never stops moving, you’re not alone. Yesterday, my daughter and I found a rare pocket of peace right in the heart of the Wall Street District—a reminder that self-care doesn’t always need to be complicated or far away.

We picked up one of my favorites, a Big Island Guava smoothie from Juice Generation—a vibrant blend of orange, guava, passion fruit, and strawberries, part of their tropical collection. No matter where I travel to, my priority is always to look for nourishing ways to treat myself, have fun and stay (as much as I can) on track with my lifestyle goals, and this smoothie was the perfect, refreshing choice.

But what made the experience truly special was where we enjoyed it: The Wild Couch Party sculpture at Fosun Plaza, 28 Liberty Street. This interactive public artwork by Gillie and Marc features a monumental bronze couch, where you can sit among 12 of the world’s most endangered animals—including an elephant, giraffe, tiger, and koala—alongside the artists’ whimsical characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman. The Wild Couch Party statue inspires moments of peace in NYC’s chaos by creating a physical and emotional oasis amid the city’s relentless pace. This interactive public artwork invites people to pause, sit, and share space with creatures that symbolize vulnerability and connection. The experience of sitting among these gentle animal figures encourages reflection, calm, and a sense of unity with the natural world, even as the city buzzes around you. The scene is playful, with the animals sharing coffee and cake, but the message is profound: we’re all connected, and every living being deserves love, support, and protection. 

Sitting there, smoothie in hand, I felt a deep sense of calm. The city’s noise faded as I shared a quiet moment with my daughter and these beautifully sculpted animals. The couch invites you to pause, reflect, and recognize our shared responsibility for the world around us. It’s a powerful reminder that self-care can happen anywhere—even on a bustling city street, surrounded by art and a message of unity.

Why is self-care so important, especially now?

Self-care is especially important during times of uncertainty because it provides stability, resilience, and a sense of control when so much feels unpredictable. My daughter was dealing with some health challenges, so there was definitely the stress of uncertainty, and while we are able to find answers, uncertainty lingers everywhere these days. While walking the streets of the Big Apple, everyone is usually on their phones, and often you can hear the sounds from social media apps turning on with exposure to constant news updates or changes that impact daily life. This overwhelming need to stay on top of what is going on can lead to anxiety, fatigue, and overwhelm, making it harder to focus on what truly matters. So, by prioritizing self-care, such as nourishing your body, getting enough rest, and setting healthy boundaries with news and social media, you help protect your physical and mental well-being. My daughter and I had to also set boundaries around the amount of information we received from health care providers and not immediately run to google or AI apps to figure out what their feedback could mean, before we got to the actually appointments. We turned off the phones, and went for long walks, looked for green spaces, and made it a point to seek places that offered whole plant-based foods to enjoy, and Juice Generation was definitely on the top of our list to continue our smoothie regimen in the mornings. Taking time for self-care also helps you process difficult emotions, fosters patience and self-compassion, and reminds you to accept the present moment rather than worry about the unknown future. These practices not only reduce stress but also boost your capacity to adapt and recover, making it easier to navigate challenges and savor positive moments, even in tough times. Ultimately, self-care is a vital tool for maintaining balance, hope, and connection—both with yourself and others—when the world feels uncertain.

So next time you’re visiting a bustling metropolitan city (or anywhere, really), look for those unexpected places of peace. Find your favorite smoothie, sip your favorite hot or cold tea, and let yourself savor the moment. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate—it just needs to be yours.