5 Tips for Staying Healthy in NYC

Let's be real: New York can be overwhelming, and keeping up with hectic city life can make you forget about your health. Everyone is too busy to go to the doctor, and shopping at your local health food store seems like a waste of money. So, how are New Yorkers supposed to stay healthy? Here are five tips that can help you live a healthier life in 2020.

Breathe Fresh Air

Trees collect carbon dioxide and release oxygen. But in a city that's constantly releasing exhaust fumes, finding fresh air can be hard. According to longevity studies, people who live the longest typically live in high-altitude locations with cleaner air. So, set aside some time to visit your local park—or better yet—take a road trip outside of the city.

If you need time to reset before going back to the city, check out Autumn Lake Healthcare, a healthcare center in Berkeley Heights, NJ. Autumn Lake Healthcare offers short-term programs, including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy.

Practice Self-Care

To make it in New York, many people are forced to adopt a "just do it" mentality or a type-A personality. But working 24/7 and sacrificing sleep can leave you mentally and physically exhausted. Consequently, many New Yorkers get so caught up in the daily hustle that they forget to practice self-care.

Set aside time each day to do something you love. Whether you plan to hang out with friends, take a yoga class, or read a book, setting aside time for yourself can significantly improve your mental well-being.

Cook More

New York is home to some of the greatest restaurants in the world, which makes it tempting to constantly order take-out or eat out. Although more and more local, organic, farm-to-table restaurants are opening around the city, eating out is still a common issue among New Yorkers. Low-quality food is a major source of toxins, so aim to eat out less and start cooking more high-quality food.

Listen to Your Body

New York is well-known for its high energy—you can feel it as soon as you enter the city. Sometimes, the city's high energy can motivate you and inspire you. But other times, the city can weigh you down and stress you out. To manage your stress, aim to perform some form of stress management regularly.

If you're not sure where to start, try visiting a chiropractor. Chiropractors can help adjust the spine and release muscle tension, one of the main effects of chronic stress, which can lead to nerve irritation and uneven pressure on the body. In turn, releasing tension makes your body feel balanced, stable, and relaxed. Launchfit, a chiropractor in New York City, also offers services to support and enhance the physical health and wellness of New Yorkers.

Take A Break

Although social media is a global issue, it seems especially problematic in New York and other big cities. From connecting with family and friends to running your business, social media can make life a lot easier. But most of the time, social media leaves us feeling stressed and lowers our self-esteem.

To reduce the negative impact of social media on mental health, develop a routine for checking social media and email. Try deleting unnecessary social media apps from your phone or leaving your phone in another room so you're not tempted to check it. Remember that it's normal to feel FOMO and that you shouldn't compare yourself to what you see on social media.

As the saying goes, if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere. New York is a special place, but if staying healthy is your goal, you'll need to work extra hard to stay healthy in NYC.