Living in a big city isn’t usually synonymous with living in peace. With concrete jungles come cities that don’t sleep, endless busyness, and ‘play hard, work hard’ mentalities. Peaceful vibes and quiet moments don’t always seem easy to encounter. However, it doesn’t have to be completely ruled out if you intentionally create space for peace with a few shifts. Being born in one of the biggest and most international cities in the world (London) I’ve learned how to live out my most peaceful life despite the noise. From one city-dweller to another, here is what it takes to choose to live in peace despite living in a big, bad, bustling city.
Top Tips for Living in Peace in a Big City
The Importance of Third Places and Quiet Corners
Big cities can be overstimulating for those who crave quiet. The importance of a third place can serve as a way to undo the overstimulating energy of living and working in a big city. Some examples include finding a coffee shop that matches your aesthetic, finding a workout studio/gym, or a community center that allows you to unwind before going home. These quiet spaces allow you to detach from the bustle of the city comfortably while leisurely enjoying your in-between moments from work and home.
Making the Most of Green Spaces
Is there anything like a long walk in the park to settle the nervous system? Living in a big city can sometimes mean not having abundant access to nature. Take advantage of parks and green spaces and visit them often to reset the mind. I have found that visiting year-round has helped to disassociate from the noise of living in a city with a high concentration of buildings and concrete. While it’s easy to stick to outdoor routines during the warmer months, I have found it to be just as effective during the colder months too. Some easy tips could be to work out or meditate in your desired green space in the summer and then adjust in the winter. I take long walks while recording audio journals/voice notes during the winter months to let my senses indulge in the natural environment on the go.
Extroverted v Introverted Friends
It’s easy to see how your company can interact with how you spend time in your city. Typically, extroverted individuals will flourish in louder social environments while introverted ones will prefer relaxed, less stimulating environments. Alternating which of your friends you have space for according to the type of city experience you want to have will benefit you.
Reject Hustle Mentality
A huge part of living a soft life or even simply inviting more peace is not overworking. Oftentimes big cities revolve around work and tend to promote overworking as a measure of success. This may even translate to toxic working environments. Ultimately, I have found that rejecting the ‘hustle culture’ and ‘boss babe’ rhetoric has allowed me to feel less pressure to be constantly ‘on’. This has helped me create a life that doesn’t revolve around my work-life, but rather the reverse. Taking pride in your career is a positive thing until it becomes your entire personality and compromises your health and happiness.
Use Your Home Space to Soften The Day
I am drawn towards the idea of home as a soft landing place. Whenever I’m in a big city, I make an extra effort to make my home space cozy and relaxing. Coming home to somewhere that I feel able to rest in is an unmatched feeling. It is also a great way to replicate the vibe of some of my favorite non-city environments. Some ideas include plants, having scents that remind you of nature/elsewhere, and art and home decor from travels.
Create Inner Peace Every Morning
The quiet of the morning is a great time to set a peaceful intention. Whether you’re an early riser or not, starting the day unhurried and reflective is always a good idea when you live in a big city that demands a lot of your attention. Whenever I can, I choose to give my most vital energy to myself in the mornings so that throughout the day I remember that my peace is my priority.
Experiencing overwhelm is sometimes a part of the city life, but serenity can be too. Noticing what makes you feel stressed or simply less easeful will help you make peace with living in a big city. In the same way, paying attention to what feels good is just as nourishing and worth your attention.
Living in a big city isn’t usually synonymous with living in peace. Big cities bring endless noise and ‘play hard, work hard’ mentalities. Peaceful and quiet moments are not easy to come by. However, you shouldn’t rule them out completely. If you intentionally create space for peace, it is attainable. Being born London, one of the biggest and most international cities, I’ve learned how to live a peaceful life despite the noise. From one city-dweller to another, here are ways to choose peace despite living in a big, bustling city.
Top Tips for Living in Peace in a Big City
The Importance of Third Places and Quiet Corners
Big cities can be overstimulating for those who crave quiet. The importance of a third place should not be understated. Finding a place of solitude within the buzzing energy of a big city creates balance. Some examples include finding a coffee shop, workout studio/gym, or a community center that matches your aesthetic and allows you to unwind before going home. These quiet spaces enable you to comfortably detach from the bustle of the city while enjoying your commute from work and home.
Making the Most of Green Spaces
Is there anything like a long walk in the park to settle the nervous system? Living in a big city can sometimes mean having less access to nature. So, take advantage of parks and green spaces by visiting them often. Visiting a park can help you disassociate from the noise of living in a city. While it’s easy to stick to outdoor routines during the warmer months, it is just as effective during the colder months. Easy ways to incorporate the outdoors into your routine is to work out or meditate in your desired green space. I like to take long walks while recording voice notes, serving as an audio journal.
Have Extroverted and Introverted Friends
The company you keep can dictate how you spend time in the city. Typically, extroverted individuals flourish in louder social environments, while introverted people prefer relaxed, less stimulating environments. Alternate the type of friends you spend time depending on the experience that will benefit you.
Reject Hustle Mentality
A huge part of living a soft life and inviting more peace is not overworking. Often times, big cities revolve around work and promote overworking as a measure of success. This culture may translate to toxic working environments. Ultimately, I found th rejecting ‘hustle culture’ and ‘boss babe’ lifestyle allows me find pockets of relaxation and create a life that doesn’t revolve around work. Taking pride in your career is positive, until it becomes your entire personality and compromises your health and happiness.
Utilize Your Home
I believe your home should be your happy place and safe space. Whenever I’m in a big city, I make an extra effort to make my home space cozy and relaxing. Coming home to a space I can rest in is an unmatched feeling. Plants, art and other home decor are a great way to replicate the vibe of some of my favorite non-city environments.
Create Inner Peace Every Morning
The quiet of the morning is a great time to set a peaceful intention. Whether you’re an early riser or not, starting the day unhurried and reflective is always a good idea when you live in a big city. I give vital energy to myself in the mornings whenever I can.
Experiencing overwhelm is sometimes a part of city life, but serenity can be, too. Noticing what makes you feel stressed will help you make peace with living in a big city. In the same way, paying attention to what feels good is just as nourishing and worth your attention.