Treat yourself (locally) for self-care month

6 local ways to practice wellness.

COLA Wellness-self care month-9.13.23

Columbia proves self-care can be easy with a multitude of fun self-care activities, eats + more.

Table of Contents

If you’ve been in need of some much-needed “me time,” you’re in luck. September is National Self-Care Awareness Month (read: a time to take care of your physical + mental health).

With a busy summer slowing down, now is the perfect time to practice wellness ahead of the new season. Take this as a sign to treat yourself.

Here are six local ways to celebrate self-care this September:

Breathe it in, stretch it out

Yoga is an exercise with proven physical and mental health benefits for any skill level. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed yogi or brand new to the practice, COLA has plenty of studios with yoga classes for all fitness levels.

Try a new hobby

A hobby can give you something to look forward to after “adulting” all day. Spark joy this self-care month by finding a new hobby that interests you.

Need some inspo? Check out this list for adult athletic, art, and cooking classes around Columbia.

Feel the fresh air

Fresh air and sunshine can help boost your mood and clear your mind. Put on your favorite playlist and enjoy a stroll at one of these local + accessible trails.

Grab a healthy treat

Good food = good mood. These local vegan + vegetarian restaurants offer nutritious and delicious versions of desserts, comfort foods, and more to leave your body and mind feeling satisfied.

Spread the love

Self-care comes in many forms. If you feel at your best when giving back to the community and connecting with others, volunteer with one of these awesome organizations or at a local hospital in the Midlands.

Plan a self-care staycation

We saved the best for last. Go the extra mile by planning a self-care staycation at a local hotel, luxury treehouse, cottage, or at Cola’s Hideaway Pool House.

Take a peek at some of the most unique rentals around Soda City.

Bonus: See more ways to achieve mental + physical wellness.

More from COLAtoday
South Carolina’s first Crystal Lagoons® amenity is coming to Oak Hills in Columbia, featuring a beach-style lagoon and amenities like restaurants, parks, and luxury homes.
Gather together with local community members for the ‘Morning of Remembrance Ceremony as Cola honors SC’s first responders + military service members.
Visitation increased from 15.8 million in 2022 to 16.4 million in 2023. We’re breaking down some other tourism stats + we’ll give you ways to get involved and keep the ball rolling as citizens.
Join the Columbia community on Sunday, Oct. 6, for the seventh annual Buddies, Not Bullies Rally and Parade to promote kindness, inclusion, and mental health awareness.
Deep dive into this guide for fans to participate in ESPN’s College GameDay in Columbia, including event details, Gamecock Walk, and Pep Rally.
SC small businesses are facing closures due to rising liquor liability insurance premiums, with legislative reform delayed and limited solutions available.
Southern Living released a list of 15 fall foliage destinations and we’re breaking down four destinations that are within four hours of Columbia so you can see the leaves change before they fall in fall.
USC secured $309 million in sponsored research awards in 2024, supporting key initiatives in energy, healthcare, and statewide innovation.
CCLMC highlighted a successful year in tourism, with major events and expansions planned, including the Great Race in 2025.
What was Columbia like at the turn of the millennium? We took a look back at the final year of the 20th century to see what life was like pre-Y2K.