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The world feels a bit chaotic for many people right now, and it’s a sign to reconnect with yourself through nature. Luckily for us, the Tahoe-Truckee region is a vast outdoor wellness sanctuary that makes the perfect place to take a pause. Featuring an abundance of sunny days, fresh alpine air, an expansive network of forested trails, vibrant blue lakes and landscapes that look like they came out of a screensaver, the region makes the perfect setting for rest, relaxation and recovery.
The Tahoe-Truckee region offers a multitude of options for a self-care day, including beaches, hiking and snowshoeing trails, yoga studios and spas. Below, I have curated a list of tips and places for you to go to help you unwind, stay present and recharge. Take a deep breath, make a list of the positives and enjoy the day guilt-free.
Photo: The Tahoe-Truckee region is the perfect place for a self-care day. Photo Courtesy of Kirsten Alexis. Photo Credit: Courtney Ragland.
Take a mindful break. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Take a Break and Take a Breath
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Overstimulated? First, take a long, deep breath. As someone who deals with anxiety, I know firsthand how focusing on our breath can keep us centered in a chaotic world.
One thing that helps me is to remove myself from where I am currently dealing with stress, which typically involves going outside. Here, I then focus on box breathing to center myself. It’s a four-step process: inhale deeply, hold, exhale deeply and hold. Typically, I try to start in four-second intervals and then move up as I continue until I start to calm down. Counting the seconds in each breath is another way to stay focused in the present moment. When you can control your breath, you show yourself that you are in control. Remember, you can only control yourself!
After I get a hold of my breathing, I then move into a meditative walk, where I make a list of everything around me that is beautiful, such as the scenery, a bird chirping or the warmth of the sun. Having a camera, or journal to write or draw in can help. You can always find something!
Walking Meditation
As I mentioned above, walking meditation has drastically improved my well-being and is something I try to integrate in my daily routine. It’s a great excuse to get outside and gets you right back in the present moment. It’s also a great way to see your backyard in a new perspective.
In the Tahoe-Truckee region, we’re blessed with a plethora of trails to explore, and some of my favorites include the East Shore Trail, Truckee River Trail, Glacier Way Trails, Martis Creek Wildlife Area and Van Sickle Bi-State Park. These trails are easily accessible and offer a variety of places to stop and take in the scenery. During your break it can be a great creative outlet to take out your journal and write out your thoughts, take photos or draw the landscape, flora and wildlife.
If you find your mind wandering, bringing headphones and listening to guided meditations or binaural beats can help bring you back to the current moment. There are some great channels on YouTube, and I find the Calm app to also have some great resources.
Go Birding
Birding has seen a rise in popularity over the years for good reason. Like walking meditation, birding is a peaceful way to get present and integrate exercise. Here, you get the added adventure of looking for our cute little residents and feel like you’re truly integrated with the natural world.
Birding requires you to slow down and be mindful. It requires you to use your senses and tune in to your surroundings. The only goal is making new feathered friends.
Some of our noted species to look for include Mountain Chickadees, Stellar’s Jays, American Robins and Bald Eagles in the winter.
Chickadee Ridge in the Mount Rose Wilderness Area is a great place to start. If you bring the proper birdseed and come with plenty of patience, the Chickadees might even land in your hand! Other notable birding places include Spooner Lake, Taylor Creek, Fallen Leaf Lake, Upper Truckee Marsh and Rabe Meadows. Sometimes you’ll even get lucky in your own backyard!
The lake is healing and good for your mental well-being. Photo Credit: Kirsten Alexis
Spend Time at the Lake
Research shows that being around or in water can induce a calming effect and help regulate your nervous system. When I feel on edge, sitting by the lake really helps me see the bigger picture and relax. Just looking at the clear blue water, listening to the sounds of the waves on the shore and breathing in fresh air is enough to show me how small my problems truly are.
Whether you’re sitting by the lake, paddleboarding or swimming, I guarantee you will find mental clarity and a spark of joy from your time there.
Schedule in some self-care at Stillwater Spa. Photo Credit: Stillwater Spa at The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe
Treat Yourself at a Spa
The Tahoe-Truckee region has a variety of world-class spas with services specifically designed to help you relax and disconnect. Here, you can put your phone away and let the professionals help you choose services that will benefit your well-being. From massages, to facials to cold plunges and saunas, there are guilt-free recovery options for everyone.
If you’re in the North Lake Tahoe or Truckee region, I highly recommend Martis Valley Massage and Spa or Stillwater Spa at The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe. If you’re in South Lake Tahoe, head to Tahoe Forest Baths or Edgewood Tahoe Resort.
Yoga
Yoga is one of my favorite ways to get back to the present moment and move with intention and gratitude. In a yoga class, you will be guided to not only move in various poses, but also to utilize breathwork and mindfulness. Whether you’re looking for an invigorating and challenging flow or a calming restorative session, there’s a class to help you become grounded and present.
I personally prefer to practice more challenging and fast-paced flows in the morning and restorative and meditative flows in the evening to help me settle down and end the day.
There’s a huge list of quality studios in the region, but I recommend classes at High Altitude Fitness, Mountain Lotus Yoga and Lake Tahoe Yoga.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
