It can be hard to find the time to relax and recharge in a city. But it is often necessary given the fast pace and hectic nature of larger towns such as London, New York or Paris. There are a few things you can try when you have the time, from visiting a city park to appreciating the city.
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Right now, things are pretty stressful everywhere you look and even taking a trip won't always get us away from those issues. It's also in the middle of Spring Break, so you might not be able to book a trip to just get out of town now without spending all your money. If you need to chill and clear your mind at home or on the road, here are some great tips for you.
Smartphone Calm and Relaxation
Busy city residents have tons of things they have to do every day, and just getting to work can be a chore if you don’t have it down. However, the commute to work, visiting a loved one, or doing some shopping means you may have some downtime. When you have a few minutes, a smartphone game like Spider Solitaire, an app such as Headspace, or even watching YouTube videos can be just what you need to pass the time and rid yourself of the city’s stresses.
Recharge in a City Park
It can feel like you are in a concrete jungle when living in a city. However, almost all cities have green space. For example, there are over 2,000 parks in New York, and there are many ways you can use your time when strolling through a city park. Here are some popular ideas:
Join a local group for activities such as park yoga, pilates, and outdoor exercise.
Sit and watch the world go by. Local people can be pretty entertaining when you watch!
Stroll the many parks in the city with your dog or a friend to get some fresh air.
How About Some Music?
Some people love the sounds of the city. For others, it can be like torture. When trying to study, working from home, or even taking a break while at work, your time can be rudely interrupted by traffic, general noise, and even crime. But music is an escape for many people. Suppose you have dreaded noisy apartment neighbors! In that case, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones and your favorite artists can be a Godsend when trying to get something done!
Hit Up a Museum or Gallery
Every major city has a plethora of museums and galleries. The amazing attractions of New York, London and Rome come to mind. However, even smaller towns also have stunning historical attractions to visit too. When you need a break from the hectic life of living in a city, a museum or gallery helps you take a step back, and appreciate what came before. Most cities even have museums specific to the town itself, and the great thing is they are almost always free to use!
Recharge in a City with Coffee!
There are many popular hot drinks from around the world, but coffee is pretty much the king of beverages. Americans consume 146 billion cups of coffee per year, and if that’s your thing, then this is one of the best things about living in a city. So, put your money where your nose is!
Seek the diverse coffee culture
Cities like NYC and London are very diverse, and this is reflected in food and drink. Each area has its own take on coffee, from strong Italian espresso to Middle Eastern specialty coffees.
Quality over quantity
Rather than visiting established brands such as Starbucks, you can help out with quality smaller operations. Pop-up coffee shops that source beans directly from farmers are popular today.
Try out local favorites
Coffee is everywhere in the city, and everyone has their favorite place. Some of the best in NYC include the famous Martha’s Country Bakery, Brooklyn Bagel Coffee, and Spot Dessert Bar.
Admire the Seasonal Changes
Not all major cities are located to experience seasonal changes. However, the ones that are can be stunning. Forgetting about the high-rises and steel and glass canyons, the city can be just as stunning as any far-flung vista when you understand the seasons change. Have you ever walked through the brown autumn leaves in New York or gazed at the spectacular cherry blossom fall during a Tokyo spring? If so, then you know how beautiful a city can actually be.
Check Out a Bookstore
What’s a book, you may ask? Before smartphones and tablets, we had paper books that we had to carry everywhere and physically turn a page! Jokes aside, is there a city on Earth without quality bookstores? From independent businesses to big brands, bookstores can be an escape from a busy city. Things just seem to slow down, and some bigger chains also offer snacks and coffee bars. There is a chance you may also discover something you love while in there.
Ride Public Transport to Slow Down
Public transport is a major part of city life. In many cities, there are just too many cars to get around effectively, and public systems are becoming more efficient. In Tokyo alone, 6.5 million people use the subway every day! However, you can also use public transport to relax a while:
Take a ride outside of rush hour times for a more pleasant transport experience.
Cities are full of sights. You can use ride time to appreciate the history of the town.
Avoid problems by not making eye contact, avoiding arguments, and staying patient.
Find Somewhere Quiet
Okay, so this can be easier said than done when you live or work in the city. However, there are always quiet spots that you can find when you look. There’s nothing quite like a New York rooftop for getting away from it all. Of course, there are quiet spaces, such as break rooms at work, and public spaces, such as libraries. A museum or gallery visit can also provide the quiet you need to recharge for a while when you need to shut out the noise of the city for a little bit.
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