May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it. At NYC Ferry, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we encourage our riders to take care of their well-being. In this blog post, we will share yoga and meditation businesses located near NYC Ferry landings, NYC organizations you can seek help from, and the benefits of getting outdoors and riding the ferry on mental health.
Yoga, Meditation, and Wellness Businesses
Brooklyn Bridge Park /Pier 6 Landing: Brooklyn Yoga Project offers a range of yoga classes, at their intimate boutique-style space offering heated, low-heat and unheated vinyasa flow, yin, Iyengar-inspired, and restorative yoga classes. Their experienced instructors not only teach this practice, they live it, breathe it and embody what yoga is – union, enlightenment, and tranquility.
North Williamsburg Landing: Y7 Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes. The classes are candlelit in a dark room with no mirrors to encourage you to turn your focus inward and explore your own practice without worrying about others.
South Williamsburg Landing: The Loom Yoga Center offers over 50 classes per week. The studio’s warm and peaceful environment welcomes all levels of students.
NYC Organizations to Seek Help From
NYC Well is a free, confidential helpline and chat service available 24/7. They offer support and referrals for mental health and substance abuse services, as well as crisis counseling. You can reach NYC Well by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL or texting WELL to 65173.
National Alliance on Mental Illness NYC provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. They offer various programs, including support groups, educational classes, and outreach events. You can contact NAMI NYC at 212-684-3264.
Samaritans NYC provides emotional support and crisis counseling to those in distress, including those experiencing thoughts of suicide. They offer a 24/7 helpline and text service, as well as community education and outreach. You can contact Samaritans NYC at 212-673-3000.
Benefits of Getting Outdoors and Riding the Ferry
Spending time outdoors and getting some fresh air can do wonders for your mental health. Riding the ferry is a great way to do just that. Pop on our Feel Good NYC Ferry playlist and join us for a ride.
What are the benefits of getting out and riding with the Ferry?
Reduces stress and anxiety: Being on the water has a calming effect on the mind and body. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a view of the city from a different vantage point.
Boosts mood: Being outdoors and getting some sunlight can boost your mood and improve your overall well-being.
Increases physical activity: Walking to and from the ferry landing and exploring the area around it can help increase your physical activity, which is important for both physical and mental health. Get outside and be present with your surroundings.
Image Courtesy of Esquire Magazine
A place to reflect: Take it from Succession star and NYC Ferry fan, Kieran Culkin. He tells Esquire Magazine he finds it easier to think about his possibility-filled future when he’s floating along the river rather than sitting around at home. “Sometimes you can’t see it, and then I’m out here and I’m like, Oh, yeah, there’s stuff,” he says. “There are things I can do.”
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to prioritize our mental health and seek support when needed. At New York City Ferry, we encourage our riders to take care of themselves and others, and we hope that this blog post provides some helpful resources for doing so!