5 Ways to Nourish Your Day-to-Day Life in NYC

Photo by Emily Fletke

Six months into our NYC life, I could not understand all the talk of how difficult it is to live in this city. “You have to get out,” people warned. “Rent a car and drive north, take the train to Rockaway Beach. Do whatever it takes to get out.”  Why? I wondered. I was on a NYC high and never wanted to leave.  

Fast forward two years, and this city girl was longing for silence and open space. As a Myers-Briggs confirmed extrovert, I started needing more time alone. I began dreading the social functions on my calendar. The “city that never sleeps” was draining me. I needed to make some changes.  

I now get it: the energy and pace of NYC require practices that make living in the city sustainable.  

Here are a few tips I’m putting into practice.

SCHEDULE TIME ALONE 

For the first time in my life, I schedule (literally put on my calendar) time alone. For most of my life, I could run from meeting to meeting, person to person and never feel drained. But when hundreds, sometimes thousands of people surround you daily, it takes a toll. Schedule in blocks of time to be alone — even if it means staying in when everyone else goes out.  

FIND A GETAWAY PLACE

When time alone isn’t possible or even needed urgently, I’ve found several NYC hotel lobbies to be a great place to hang out between meetings, or to use as a co-working space, while still being a respite in the city. The Arlo Hotels in SoHo and NoMad have a gentle energy, as does the outside seating area at the Lotte Palace Hotel. Though you’ll share the space with other people, I think you’ll find the environment peaceful, while still feeding your soul with the NYC vibe we all love.  

GIVE YOUR MIND TIME OFF

This tip is backed by science. Both Johann Sebastian Bach and Albert Einstein would work for several hours, then stop to take a long walk or a short nap, giving their mind a break. Researchers credit part of their creative and scientific genius to such rhythms. In NYC, you're usually “on.” Rarely does our commute or running errands allow our minds to relax. Give your brain a break by scheduling in a leisurely walk along the Hudson or sneak away for a midday nap.

BRAIN-DUMP REGULARLY

This habit has been life-giving! Like a child dumping a bin of Legos out onto the floor, I take every emotion and thought swirling in my heart and mind and write them on a piece of paper. My ideas and feelings are “safe.” I’ll come back to them, but for a short time my brain gets a break as I create white/blank space for my conscious mind to rest. 

LEARN TO SAY NO

Let go of FOMO, comparison and all the “I should” thoughts. Figure out what pace and level of activity work for you and guard your time from saying “yes” to too many things. When I do this, I enjoy the things I choose to do even more.  

In it all, you have to find a balance and rhythm that work for you. Then, enjoy! We live in one of the most exciting cities in the world. 

What makes NYC sustainable for you? Comment and share your tips. We'd love to know!