How to Cope with Living in a Busy City

Life can be stressful enough without being mowed down in the crosswalk by an aggressive city bus driver, motorcyclist or truck driver. Between the polluted air, subway delays, traffic jams and long lines at the grocery store, one may go nuts if they don’t know how to cope! Whoever said living in the big city was all fun and games, was only a tourist in one!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Before your leave the house in the morning, mentally prepare yourself for the hustle and bustle of the big city. There is no need to pull out the boxing gloves, but you should realize that the streets will possibly be filled with obnoxious people.

2. Take a deep breath while walking to your designated public transportation stop.

3. Try to find something pleasant about your city. The fascinating thing about living in a big city is that there are great architectural structures, street musicians and diverse people all around.

4. Whether on your way to work, the doctor’s office or a movie theater, rejoice once you have reached your destination.

5. Become a member of a prominent organization in your city. Get to know professionals of different backgrounds. This is not only a good networking tool it will keep you abreast of different developments that could come to your city.

6. Join a gym or take an exercise or dance class of your choice! Working out is a great stress reliever. Physical activity helps to clear your mind.

Tips & Warnings

• It never hurts to be polite, so don’t forget to say, “please” and “thank you!”
• Call home, if you are homesick.
• Always be cognizant of your environment!
• Give a homeless person a piece of food.
• Give up your seat to a handicapped person, pregnant woman or mother with a small child.
• Take a day off!
• Keep your belongings in a safe place.
• Turn the volume on your MP3 player or iPod down, when crossing a busy street!
• If you can not cope with big city life, consider moving to a less stressful place.