Last Updated on February 26, 2024
For those of us who live and work in New York City, every other place just doesn’t feel quite right. This is the capital of the world and the center of the universe — why would we want to be anywhere else?
But with all of this action comes a price. Stress levels in New York City are higher, on average, than elsewhere in the nation, and it’s not hard to see why. When we take a closer look at what stress does to our bodies and our minds, it’s fair to wonder why we should be here in this chaotic city.
But we don’t have to move. We just have to acknowledge the stress that comes with this city, and adjust our lifestyle so that we can continue to enjoy New York City while also enjoying a healthy, happy life. Here’s what you need to know.
New York City is a stressful place
New York City is a big, beautiful place. It’s also very, very stressful. New York City is a competitive place. People work long hours after braving brutal commutes. Expectations for lifestyle choices like fashion and food are high, and everything is extremely expensive. Practically everywhere you go, you’re surrounded by people; some of them are rude, and others are frightening. This big city can be an intense, upsetting place.
Stress and your health
New York City is stressful, and stress is very bad for us. High-stress levels can manifest as both mental and physical symptoms, including aches and pains like headaches. Over the long term, stress can do serious damage to your body and your mind. Experts say that it can even shorten your lifespan.
In other words, if left unchecked, the stress of living in New York City could destroy everything from your sleep patterns to your physical health. It could make your life less enjoyable and even shorten it. So it’s crucial to do something about it.
Staying calm in the big city
New York City can do a lot to mess with your stress levels and mental health, but it is also a place with a lot of mental health resources. If you’re proactive about caring for your mind, you’ll find that New York City is a wonderful place to enjoy a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle.
New York City has some of the best therapists in the country, and you should take advantage of that. Visiting a therapist regularly can do wonders for your mental health, explain the experts at Therapy Group of NYC. It can help you stay one step ahead of New York City’s many stresses and pressures. With a therapist in your corner, you’ll be armed with insights and strategies that will help you counter negative thinking, shrug off stress, and build a happier and healthier life.
New York City is also home to more than 30,000 acres of parkland. Head to your local park for a bit of space and fresh air. Don’t wait until it’s a beautiful day to head to the park, either — you’ll have more space to yourself on the days when the parks are less popular.
Your social support groups are important in New York City, just as they are elsewhere, but finding social groups in the big city can be tough. Paradoxically, there sometimes seem to be just too many people here. Try narrowing things down by joining small-group activities. Sign up for a softball team, or take dance lessons.
New York City can be a rough place sometimes, but with the right strategies and habits, you can unlock the real potential of this big, beautiful city.