Coping in Your Concrete Jungle
Keeping the city stresses at bay so you can continue to appreciate the little things…and sometimes big things, too.
This post comes to you by way of Polly, our UK PR intern!
For us city dwellers, things can sometimes get a bit heavy. The constant rush of a bustling city can be overwhelming and, if you’re not careful, you can soon become a sheep in a herd going about your daily routine.
Three years of living in a concrete jungle have proven fun, exciting, scary, busy… but it’s easy to get caught up in this thing called life, where stress can get the better of you. So, let’s make time to rekindle the love affair! Here are some tips on how to keep up with the city and make the most it!
Get up a little earlier.
I know, I know, you can barely get out of bed as it is, but I’ve found that this really helps. Rather than feeling as though you’ve been flung headfirst through the door, set aside a precious bit of time to wake up and do something that makes you feel good, whether that be preparing that delicious breakfast you often miss, or doing morning stretches. My personal favourite? Sitting in the park opposite my work place for a short while before I start — it helps clear my head. Plus, it’s nice sometimes to simply watch the world go by.
Every day is unique. Cherish it.
With so much happening around you, it’s easy to zone out. I found that for a while I was doing just this, staring at advertisements on the tube and scrolling through my phone, without any real understanding of what I was looking for. I finally decided that it was time to wake up, take in my surroundings and observe the city with fresh eyes. A great way to do this is to keep a small lightweight journal on you at all times. Somewhere to keep the day’s silly thoughts and ponderings. I write a diary entry daily, and try to recall all the things that made me laugh, caught my eye and made the day unique. This will help prevent them from blurring into one and/or escaping you.
Give off the energy you want to attract.
It’s rumored that cities are full of moody people, but a smile can go a long way, and small acts of kindness can make all the difference. The more you give, the more you get when it comes to positivity, so project yours on to everyone you meet and see them light up!
Make the most of your travel time.
Time is what the city loves to gobble up the most. This is why it’s so important to use every moment to its full potential. You can easily spend over an hour of your day commuting on the underground, so be sure to enjoy that time! Get a book or listen to your new favorite album. Traveling is the only time when I really get a chance to read so I always make sure I have a book on me!
Find your happy place.
Explore, explore, explore. Hop on a train and get off at a station you’ve never visited before. Fall in love with a place or a view and go there when you need a pick-me-up.
Don’t let money problems get you down.
When pay day is just too far away and you feel as though you’re under house arrest, fear not. Remember that the city can afford you many, MANY free activities. Museums, galleries and parks are great places to spend the day when you don’t want to break the bank. There’s also a plethora of markets to be found, that sell just about every exotic fruit and veggie you can think of, and usually at half the price you could get it for in the supermarket. Throw a dinner party with friends instead of paying for an expensive meal out. As long as you’ve got friends, (maybe?) wine and food, you are guaranteed a fab night!
Make time for friends.
Laughter really is the best medicine. Make time to see those who make you happiest. They can always cheer
you up and help put your life into perspective.
Roll on newness.
If you haven’t been there, go. Everyone has their favorite place to grab a drink or food but, with so many options to choose from, make the most of it! Go somewhere new for a change and you might discover a gem. Same goes with experiences, there’s always a bunch of whacky things going on in the city, so get involved!
And…
New people! Don’t be shy about chatting with people on a night out. Living in the city means there’s never a shortage of fresh faces with new exciting stories and lessons to teach you. Especially in a city like London, you can meet people from all corners of the world in just one night!
Last but definitely not least, it’s ok to have a quiet day.
And then soometimes you just need to lounge out. Have the ultimate lazy day, watch your favorite movies, make some soul food, and re-energize for the hectic week ahead.
Stay positive, and embrace it all!
Photos by Natalia Mohl. Follow her on Instagram