The words ‘city life’ and ‘relaxation’ don’t often go together. In the city, there is an abundance of stressors that can quickly get the best of you, such as pollution, population density, work responsibilities, intense competition, and constant noise. Although you might already be used to the perpetual hustle and bustle of the city, that doesn’t change the fact that life in the concrete jungle can get pretty overwhelming at times.
To avoid getting burn out from your stressful city life, try these different ways to unwind:
1. Sleep in or take a nap
Often, we need to take a long nap or get a good night’s sleep to refresh ourselves. If you can’t get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night, at least give yourself a 20-minute nap time at some point during the day. A nap can give you the energy boost that you need to focus on your next task and get rid of sleepiness, regardless if it’s in an Osaki massage chair or on the bus.
2. Take a bike ride
Rent a bike and take a ride around the park or the less busy parts of your city. Not only is riding a bike a great form of exercise, but it can also give you the stress relief that you need after a long week of work.
3. Go to a quiet coffee shop
In the city, there is a coffee shop at almost every block, so you won’t have trouble finding one when you want to take a break from life. However, you might want to stay away from the large chains to avoid the crowds. Instead, go to smaller, quieter coffee shops in the area where you can enjoy your drink in peace.
4. Visit the park
Make the most of the green space that you have in the city, which is probably going to be a public park. Spending time in nature is a great way to reduce stress, improve moods, and refresh mental energy. Thus, spending at least half an hour at the park every week can give your mental health a significant boost.
5. Take a break from electronics
Put down your phone, turn off your TV, and close your laptop for an hour or two. You already spend most of your day in front of a screen, give yourself some time to unplug and enjoy other things that bring you joy, like engaging in a hobby or playing with your pet.
6. Go to a class
Cities have an abundance of educational classes that you can choose from. If you want to learn something new and relax simultaneously, you can hit two birds with one stone by taking a course that interests you. Better yet, bring a friend along so you can make it a social event as well.
7. Watch a movie in the middle of the day
Seeing a movie in the middle of the day is not only cheaper, but it’s also less crowded than nighttime. You don’t even have to like the movie to feel relaxed; just being in a relatively uncrowded area, in a comfortable seat, and no distractions other than the big screen can reduce significant levels of stress and anxiety.
8. Listen to music
Whether you’re commuting to work or trying to relax in your apartment with thin walls, listening to music can help block out noise that would otherwise rattle your mind. Besides that, music has positive effects on your brain, including increased memory, stress relief, easier retention, and better concentration.
9. Create a sanctuary at home
Even if you live in a shoebox apartment, you can create a sanctuary in your home by turning a little area into a place where you can relax. It doesn’t even have to be anything fancy. With just a few throw pillows, some incense, and thrift store finds that fit your aesthetic, you can have a sanctuary of your own to meditate, away from the busy world around you.
10. Go to the library
The public library is perhaps the quietest place you can find in a big city. If you want a place to relax without the expectation of spending money, pay a visit to your local library and curl up in the corner with a good book.
It’s no secret that life in the city can be overwhelming at times, but it’s your choice if you want to let the lifestyle burn you out. To keep calm during the rat race, use these relaxation methods whenever you have the chance.
What other relaxation techniques do you use to fight stress? Please share them with us in the comments below.