It’s that weird time of the year where many of us may feel neither here nor there, and anxious about what the future holds.
I’ve considered intellectualising the feeling, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt. July is like the middle child of months, the Thursday of the week, the waiting-room period where we’re close to spring but not close enough, where most of the year has gone by but not all, and the urge to conquer all our bucket list dreams and goals seem to be on a deadline.
Yes, the middle child of the year can certainly be a time of anxiety. Perhaps it’s apt that this month was once dubbed Mental Health Awareness month (although October has swiftly claimed the title in recent times).
However, as anyone who struggles with anxiety knows, it’s far from a monthly experience, and finding somewhere that hugs us with calmness any day of the year is always a great triumph.
With this in mind, here are 5 spots that’ll treat you to a little calm in the chaos in and around the CBD:
1. Ground Art Caffe
There’s something about a quaint spot with big mugs of coffee that always brings me a sigh of relief.

Ground Art Caffe is a favourite go-to for this reason. Not only is there a micro-art gallery to enjoy, but the smallness of the joint is perfect for those times when one doesn’t want to be alone, but also doesn’t want to be around massive crowds – a happy medium.
- Where: 160 Strand Street
2. Company Gardens
When you’re a city slicker, finding a spot drenched in greenery is like finding water in the desert. Company Gardens is exactly that.

Sit in the giant bird nests and sway gently, or bring a book and park on a bench amidst the garden’s magic. However you spend your time here, it’ll be time well spent, and a much-needed slice of calm for the busy mind. Time in nature for mental health wellness is so effective, it even has its own name – ecotherapy!
- Where: 15 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town City Centre
3. The Book Longue
One of my favourite places to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is through the doors of The Book Lounge, an independent bookshop on the corner of Roeland Street.
Reading is an unsung hero of helping people get through anxious moments, largely by offering escapism and shifting the current state of mind. Get lost in a little fiction and some wise words on the comfiest sofas where time simply doesn’t feel real.
- Where: 71 Roeland Street, Cnr Buitenkant & Roeland Street
4. Clay Cafe
There’s something about getting your hands messy with paint and creativity that unlocks an inner childlike carelessness – a far cry from the stressful adult mind. Multiple studies have linked creativity to reducing anxiety levels, and the act of accomplishing a creation is associated with unlocking a higher postive affect.

One of the most wonderful spots to do this at in town is at Clay Cafe in the City. Unless you’re a professional, you will make a mess and it will be wonderful. And at the end of it all, you’ll have a nifty new piece of crockery that you can nod approvingly, or laugh at knowing that you had a great time making it. And don’t forget, no matter what it looks like, you can probably still eat or drink out of it and that’s a win.
- Where: 199 Bree St
5. Our Local
If being surrounded by plants and good food sounds like your kind of spot, then Our Local’s little jungle is worth a visit.

Plants have been proven to help stress and anxiety levels, and a little healthy food never hurt either. The baristas whip up beverages with the utmost level of chill, and the energy of this indoor garden is wonderfully soothing. Don’t forget to try their freshly squeezed juices, and bring a journal along for the ride.
- Where: 117 Kloof Street
Also read:
3 waterfall hikes to enjoy in and around Cape Town after it rains
Picture: @sixteenrolls