It’s not hard to see why big cities are appealing places to live. The hustle and bustle can be magnetic, and there seems to be an endless stream of things to do and see. But sometimes the constant energy (and crowds and traffic) can be draining. If you live in a big city, you probably crave some simpler moments in which you can escape the noise for a bit and recharge your batteries. While it’s not always easy to find these sweet escapes, it’s definitely possible. Here are some ideas to help you find peace in the midst of the chaos.
Your Home Is Your Oasis
Large cities, such as New York City, are often expensive with real estate at a premium thanks to great demand and limited supply. As a result, the tendency is to find the smallest place you can squeeze into and pay as little as possible in rent each month. But the problem here is that your living space is sometimes the only place you have to go to retreat from all the commotion around you. A small apartment might appeal to your budget, but be sure to consider the quality of what you’re getting (and not just the price).
Something tiny might work if the complex offers a gym and a community room where you can use Wi-Fi or have friends over, but it could feel very cramped if there are no such amenities. Check out what’s available on a service like ForRent.com, and stick to spending no more than 33 percent of your monthly income in rent while trying to find the largest place possible. Definitely avoid overextending yourself financially, but do remember that your home is where you’ll spend a good amount of time so find somewhere that can truly be your oasis.
[Tweet “Spa days are not only for the wealthy among us”]Have a Spa Day
Spa days are not only for the wealthy among us; in fact, you can create a spa atmosphere in the comfort of your own home for very little money. When the excitement of your surrounding city starts to feel overwhelming to you, clear your calendar for an entire day and plan out some relaxing activities. One idea is to take a bubble bath with Epsom salts and lavender essential oil, while listening to an audio book. Subscribe to a service like Audible and you can choose a new audio book each month at a very affordable price.
Or if you’re not drawn to baths, find a calming, guided meditation on YouTube and allow yourself to breathe through it, releasing one stressor at a time. You can also find some great homemade face mask recipes online that are worth a try. Whatever spa activities you choose, just be sure to allot an entire day for taking care of yourself, mentally and physically.
Peace in Community
To find solitude, you don’t always need to be solitary. If you’re looking for ways to be still in the center of the hubbub of a big city, being connected to likeminded individuals can be just what you need. Look for a church in your area that hosts small gatherings or peaceful events (like a night of music), or search for a Meetup group in which members have a similar interest, like yoga. Connecting with other people is a great way to refuel your soul and restore your energy levels.
Big cities can be exhilarating, but they can also be exhausting. When you find yourself leaning toward the worn-out side of the spectrum, take time for yourself. You’ll find there are plentiful ways to find peace within a metropolitan area if you just look for it, and you’ll be so glad you did!
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
I’ve accepted that my faith is bigger than any obstacle I face. My spiritual life has really gotten me through the tougher times and I’ve finally (and happily) accepted the bible verse Romans 8:28.
What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I appreciate my eternal optimism. I feel really blessed by the people and opportunities placed in my life, and I think my positive mindset has revealed even more of both.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
My most rewarding achievement so far has been birthing my baby daughter, and doing so naturally. It was a wondrous experience with her dad by my side, and I’m proud that I gave her the healthiest start to life I could. My goals for motherhood are to teach my daughter about love and life by example, and my goals for my career include starting my own business (I have several ideas), working as an on-camera host, and finishing a novel that’s in the works.
We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
I’ve been told I’m very “book-smart,” but I definitely have my “blonde moments” as far as common sense goes. I’ve learned to embrace these types of quirks! I’m confident in my intelligence, so it’s fun to laugh at my silly flubs.
“I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!)
Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?
I love my identity. I really love my life, with all of its Kodak moments and even the not-so-camera-friendly ones. I’m always aspiring to do more, and most importantly — be more.
