5 top tips for practicing self-care in the city- Leila Spencer
In a busy city, self-care is arguably more important than ever. Busy schedules, ever-bustling streets and the joys of busy public transport can leave you feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. There is no denying the excitement that living in a city can bring; yet taking the take time to care for yourself is essential to ensure optimum enjoyment of what the city has to offer.
Self-care, to me, is a way of getting back to myself. When stress and mental strain creep up, I often retreat to my list of self-care tips. These simple tips are focused on caring for yourself, whilst amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The tips are also budget friendly, many costing little more than an hour out of your day.
So, sit back and relax into these self-care tips for the city.
1. Let Go
My first tip is about letting go. In a city where so much is going on every day, it is important to let go of any stress and worries that you have picked up along the way. Mindfulness is a great way to do this. It encourages awareness of your thoughts and feelings, that can often go astray amongst the busyness of the city. Mindfulness can be as simple as sitting quietly and focusing on your breath, or it could be listening to a guided meditation on apps such as Headspace or Calm.
Equally, it could be as simple as noticing how you feel when things get overwhelming. Taking a few deep breaths and continuing your day is a form of self-care as it allows you to slow down and let go of the stress that can often take hold of us.
2. Connect with others
In a city with so many people, it is still easy to feel alone. With busy timetables and endless to-do lists, we often feel pushed for time. However, scheduling get-togethers with your friends and family should be prioritised for your health and your happiness. Maintaining connections and enjoying your time off is so important when living in a busy city and can make all the difference to your mental health. Even a phone call can lift your mood and the mood of others. So, reach out and enjoy a conversation, a cup of coffee or even just a walk with a close friend and reap the benefits of connection.
3. Culture
One of the greatest things about living in a city is that there is always a great deal of culture and history to be enjoyed.
Whether you are interested in art, history, literature or theatre; cities always deliver cultural opportunities for you to enjoy. It is a great gift to yourself to get immersed and inspired by the culture of the city you are in and get curious about the world around you.
4. Green Space
Getting some green space into your life is a great way of de-stressing. In busy modern cities, it is easy to forget what it is like to breathe fresh air. But taking yourself off to a park or garden is so beneficial for the mind and body. Exposing yourself to natural light and green space is proven to boost your mood and benefit your sleep. So, when you are feeling anxious or worried or just in need of some fresh air, find your nearest park and spend some time wandering and taking in your surroundings.
5. Exercise
Exercising is one of the best forms of self-care. The increase of endorphins that follows a good workout is unbeatable for your mental and physical health. My advice wold be to find a form of exercise that you find the most enjoyable; running, HIIT, weights, boxing, climbing…the list goes on. A bonus tip is to switch up your exercise routine, so that you stay motivated and excited to keep moving. Try something new, at least once a month to keep the exercise bug alive!
I hope that you find these tips for practicing self-care in the city useful and I hope that you feel you can incorporate a few into your life. One thing to remember is that overwhelm and stress happens; often inevitably in the city. My overriding tip would be to go with the flow of what each day in the city brings, do what you love and enjoy the city that you are in.
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