Photo By VOGUE, Stella McCartney F/W 2024.
With NYFW on the way, it’s time to plan ahead. While there’s plenty of goings-on to be determined, we know one thing for sure: It’s going to be exhausting. Unwinding after a busy week is essential for maintaining your mental and physical well-being. Here’s how we’ll be unwinding after New York Fashion Week:
Get Some Sleep, Girl!: Start by catching up on any missed sleep. Whoever you are in the Fashion Week zeitgeist - a designer, model, assistant, photographer, or spectator, you need to get some ZZZ’s. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night for the next week to allow your body and mind to recover. This includes restoring your mental sharpness and cognition, keeping your immune system on the up and up, and keeping your body’s stress levels down. Rest is best! If you’re not a nap person, a spa day can be an excellent way to unlock some relaxation. (Our recent favorite is the Brooklyn Herborium, check out their site for some excellent skincare practices.)
Revive and Refuel: Fuel your body with nutritious foods, and no, the chips and salsa you had at the after-party does not count. Have yourself a big wholesome meal with greens, grains and good proteins. Get your friends together for a recovery potluck, that way everyone can bring something they love! Deep Cut Advice: Eat slower. Eating at a slower pace will allow your body to adjust, and you will actually be able to eat more, and be fuller for longer.
Disconnect For A Bit: We’ll be watching schedules, looking at photos and video all week. Take a break from electronics and social media for some down time. As of 2023, the average daily time spent on social media worldwide is approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes per day - that’s quite a bit of time. Constant connectivity can definitely be draining, and unplugging for a while can help you relax and refocus. Take a recess from too much doomscrolling in favor of improving mental health, and giving your eyes a rest. Pick up a magazine, spend some time in meditation or practicing mindfulness. This can help reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
Swap Up Your Bevvies: Drink. Some. Water. A celebratory week of fancy cocktails does a body good, but a cleanse does a body a little better. Get yourself hydrated after a busy week, as dehydration can leave you feeling fatigued and affect your overall well-being. While a cup of coffee or a glass of wine can be enjoyable, excessive caffeine and alcohol intake can disrupt sleep and increase your stress levels. Water yourself like you water your plants, with love and care in mind.
Touch Some Grass!: Being in a packed runway show or backstage for an extended period of time can feel…suffocating. A great way to unwind with some peace and quiet is to get outside! Have a beach day, or spend some time hiking the trails. A little fresh air and sunshine will feel very refreshing, and reduce the heightened emotions of the week. We recommend the Oyster Pond Trail in Montauk Point State Park for an easygoing outdoor day.
Be Mindful: Take some time to recenter yourself after a wild and busy event circuit. Practicing mindfulness doesn’t come easy to everyone, but being cognizant and intentional can really help you retain some balance and focus. In the United States, the use of mindfulness meditation more than tripled in recent years, with about 14% of adults practicing mindfulness regularly. Make a journal entry, practice some meditation, or another easily-attainable goal - this type of activity will help you feel positive about your productivity level, while also allowing you to rest properly.
Taking care of your physical and mental health is always in season, so be ahead of the curve! Make some time this Fashion Week to find the quiet, cure that hangover, and take recovery from all angles of your well-being. Share your favorite ways to wind down on Instagram @thisstylefiles with us, we’ll see you there!