Urban stress is the stress of living in a big city. All those people who live in a big city have to coexist with situations that consistently produce undesirable stress. This stress eventually could lead to anxiety, depression and other diseases. Doing things in a rush, the pressure of having a million things to do, traffic jams, lines, too many people in too little space, noise, pollution and a long etc. All these things can turn our lives into absolute chaos. In this article I´m going to give you a series of tips to manage and reduce that daily stress.
- Organize and manage your time better and avoid last minute hurry
You have to organize your time to boost productivity and to relieve stress. You have to arrive at places where your presence is required (University, date, job, etc.) with enough time. You have to walk around calmly and quietly. Breathe and enjoy the walk.
Photo by: Gozdeo
- If you can you should use public transportation
You have to analyze what is advisable for you: Maybe you should use public transportation, or maybe it´s better for you to use your car or motorbike. Depending on the distance and the travelling expenses public transportation could be a good choice. Besides, when you use public transportation you don´t have to do anything but sit back and relax. The driver will give you to your destination while you are reading a good book or listening to your favourite music on your iPod.
- Find your personal space
You should have a place where you feel comfortable and calm, which helps you to get relaxed, both in your home and in your job. It is convenient if the place is quiet and silence because it will be easier to you to relax. In a nutshell, you have to find a refuge where you can get relaxed alone, with no people around who would bother you. When you are feeling very stressed you ever can go there and take some minutes to relax, charging your batteries to energize your body and mind. Believe me, relieving your stress you will be more productive, efficient, creative and happy.
Photo by: Lizerixt
- Find a quiet oasis in the city
The big cities are full of magic and wonderful places where you can go. Enjoy the city. Go out for a walk, go round its green parks, sit back on a bench and admire the blue sky. You also could enter in a church, it´s a perfect place to relax due to its respectful silence. Or maybe you could go to a bar where you feel inspired and makes you feel good and comfortable. As you can see, a big city gives you a lot of options you only have to choose your special places and enjoy them.
- Switch off technology
How many of us, due to our job or our hobbies or both, are for a large part of the day in front of a screen (pc, pda, tv, cell phone, etc.)? My advice is to switch off technology (all electronic devices) when you arrive home, or at least for two hours a day- so no surfing, watching or playing anything with a screen. You will have more spare time to do those activities you like to do and relax you, like painting, drawing, reading, writing, who knows, whatever thing you like to do as long as it does not imply to use a screen. I personally keep Sunday mornings for myself, to enjoy free of any electronic device, above all without using any computer or watching tv, at least for 5 or 6 hours. Every Sunday morning is reserved. It´s my creative moment: I usually go out for a walk, sit back on a bench where I feel comfortable and read one of my favorite books, then I try to get some good ideas for future short stories or articles for the blog. Besides, during the working days I always try to limit the hours of work and leisure in front a screen. Definitely, it has been one of the tips that helped me to noticeably improve my quality of life. I swear it works, give it a try you won´t regret it!
You always have to keep in mind that all the time you spend relaxing and feeling comfortable is time well invested.
Written by: David Cantone
———————————————————————————————————————
How do you manage urban stress? Do you have any tip to relieve stress in big cities? Please share your knowledge and thoughts with the community.
Tech-Freak Stuff
// Sep 14, 2009 at 5:30 am
I would like to recommend one more point:
Try to be happy with whatever you do, It will surely give you peace of mind and happiness in return
Saksham
// Sep 14, 2009 at 10:00 am
The article is a very good one. I agree with Tect-Freak Stuff and would like to request you to add his point in the article.
David | ilcantone.com
// Sep 14, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Yes, I agree with you Tech. We have to be happy with whatever we do. But it would be great if we do what we like to do. That´s why I think we should follow our dreams and passions because doing so it will be easier for us to find the happiness we seek.
Thanks Tech and Saksham for the comments.
Isaac | GoBlogger
// Sep 18, 2009 at 1:52 am
Work from home can be an alternative in facing crowded urban roads and highways.
David | ilcantone.com
// Sep 18, 2009 at 11:20 am
Good one. Yes you´re right. However, sometimes work from home can be unhealthy. I mean, as human beings we need to interact with other people. The key is to keep a balance between home and outside.
Thanks Isaac for the comment.
Emm
// Oct 30, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Great article! I totally agree with using public transport. For me, the train is also that place where I find peace and quiet in the mornings and evenings. It is totally my “me” time. And not hurrying – I do that in the mornings – take a long, leisurely walk to the station so I can get a decent seat on the train.
.-= Emm´s last blog ..An Eternal Tourist in Washington DC =-.
Aaron
// Dec 24, 2009 at 11:01 pm
One other thing that helps manage stress is regular exercise. Of course that maybe my answer for a lot of things but it is proven to help people deal with stress. Someone could easily do some stretches or deep breathing exercises while taking public transportation or waiting in line.
.-= Aaron´s last blog ..The #1 Fitness Product in the World? =-.
Swimming Pool Tips, Articles, News: 1800poolsblog » All Things Related To Outdoor Recreation – December 24, 2009 // Jan 6, 2010 at 2:37 am
[…] Cantone presents HOW TO MANAGE URBAN STRESS posted at IL […]