Life knocks us off balance sometimes. We lose our job, or we move to a new town, or we simply spill coffee all over ourselves during breakfast. In any case, we have grounds to be upset. But we shouldn’t sulk in our sorrows for long; instead, we should set out to make the rest of our day better. Adapt this mindset and take on the world—visiting these 3 places are sure to help you find your center again:

1) Jirani Coffee House

For the longest time, I wasn’t a coffee drinker. I couldn’t stand the taste or the smell, and I didn’t understand why everybody else was crazy for it. Today, I enjoy a mocha latte every now and then, but I’m still not a dedicated fan. That being said, I can’t get enough of local coffee shops. I might not order a drink, but I will pay a visit to a few favorite coffee houses to enjoy their soul-soothing atmospheres and good vibes. Jirani Coffee House is at the top of my list, as it goes above and beyond to ensure customers have a pleasurable time here. Not only are you guaranteed a hot cup of joe (for those that want it), but they also offer delicious house-baked goods, a warm atmosphere, live music, open mic nights, and even a few shelves of free books. Jirani Coffee House puts a dynamic spin on the traditional meaning of coffee shop and it’s the perfect place to go if you’re in need of all things happy.

2) Zandra’s Taqueria

I was an incredibly picky eater as a kid. I stuck to three major food groups: peanut butter jelly sandwiches, apples, and chicken nuggets. To my defense, these are all great foods. But I was missing out on a lot of other great foods like cheeseburgers, guacamole, yogurt, and most importantly, tacos. Modern-day me loves all foods (for the most part) especially tacos. In fact, nothing can get me down when I have a good chicken taco in front of me. And that’s why you can find me at the local Mexican joint when I’m having a bad day or just looking to have a good time: Zandra’s Taqueria, in particular. This is the perfect place to go when you’re in need of a pick me-up (and a taco), as they offer delicious Mexican food, a welcoming environment, and a patio out back that hosts live music from time-to-time. I guarantee you’ll leave here with a happy mind and a satisfied stomach.

3) Prospero’s Books

I am, by all definitions of the word, a bookworm. I spend hours at a time exploring the shelves of bookstores and sifting through the pages of a new book—except these hours feel like minutes and before I know it, it’s closing time. For me, this time is the ultimate stress-reliever and mood booster. I might walk in feeling sad, confused, or exhausted, but I always leave feeling rejuvenated. And I guarantee that a local bookstore can do the same for you. Check out Prospero’s Books in Manassas, VA to reap the benefits that come with immersing yourself in a relaxing, quiet environment. Not only will you find any and every book you could possibly want to read—from fiction to non-fiction, children’s, local authors, and more—but you’ll also get a chance to browse old maps and ultimately catch your breath for a while.

The above places will relieve you of depressive thoughts and downtrodden moods for the time being, but it’s important you take care of your mental health every single day. And the skilled team of skilled mental health professionals at Thriveworks in Manassas wants to help you do so. Schedule a session with one of our team members today by calling (571) 589-3907 or visiting our website.