Some individuals thrive in the lively atmosphere of cities like the Big Apple. They enjoy living in a place that is always active and can’t imagine not being able to order Thai cuisine at 2 am. If this sounds like you, have you ever considered how residing in a big city might affect your health?
The positive news is there are advantages and disadvantages to every lifestyle choice. While your place of residence is not the sole factor impacting your health, it’s important to recognize the elements that could contribute to the development of diseases.
Does your city lifestyle have a positive or negative impact on you? Is your health influenced by urban living? Here are some factors to contemplate.
Impact of Your Location on Your Wellbeing: 5 Aspects
Where you reside can affect your life in various ways, but one of the most significant aspects could be your satisfaction with your living situation. Poor mental health due to feelings of depression or anxiety about safety can lead to physical symptoms and diseases. Therefore, if you love city life, there’s no need to worry about needing to leave – your preferences are important!
However, there are other factors that determine the healthiness of your living environment. Here are the following five conditions to consider.
1. Pedestrian Score
Don’t assume that city life is inactive – quite the opposite. Individuals living in urban areas often find it quicker to walk to their destinations than to drive, rarely relying on a car. They increase their daily step count and avoid the mental stress of monthly car expenses. In contrast, individuals in rural regions may need to travel miles to reach the nearest grocery store, forcing them to rely on their vehicles.
2. Environmental Issues
Environmental concerns are typically more significant in cities. Air pollution leads to premature deaths of 7 million individuals annually, causing high medical costs. However, less populated areas may also face challenges. Companies purchasing rural land for fracking contribute to environmental problems, and living downwind of industrial farms can be unpleasant.
3. Light and Noise Pollution
Environmental pollution isn’t solely about mining leaks and airborne particles; it also includes noise and light pollution. Continuous exposure to these disturbances can disrupt sleep patterns and elevate anxiety levels, and these disturbances are more prevalent in urban settings.
4. Criminal Activities
Crime rates are generally higher in cities. However, there is a quicker police response in such areas. In rural regions, emergency responders may take half an hour or more to arrive, by which time the crime has already occurred and the perpetrator has fled.
5. Community Engagement
There is no unanimous opinion on this matter. Some urban communities exhibit a stronger sense of community than rural areas. Nonetheless, small-town life offers the advantage of recognizing every face you encounter. Ultimately, the key is to determine where you feel comfortable enough to interact with others and establish a support network.
Influence of Urban Living on Your Wellbeing
Urban living can impact your health positively or negatively. Your priority should be to reduce factors like pollution that can disrupt sleep and hormonal balances. Be mindful of how the aforementioned factors affect you and take steps such as walking to collect your DoorDash order instead of opting for delivery.
Remember, your mental health is crucial. If city life causes severe anxiety that limits your outdoor activities, it can have detrimental effects on both your mental and physical well-being. Over time, the lack of exercise, sunlight exposure, and social interactions will take a toll. In such cases, consider possible options for relocation.
4 Effective Strategies for Maximizing Your Living Environment
Most individuals can maintain good health whether they reside in cities or rural areas. How can you achieve the same level of well-being? Follow these recommendations.
1. Embrace Natural Environments
Even metropolitan areas like New York offer extensive green spaces, such as Central Park’s 800 acres and numerous outdoor recreational venues. Regardless of your location, discover the nearest outdoor area and make it your sanctuary.
For those far from nature centers, consider creating a small green space at home. By cultivating houseplants, even beginners can enhance their indoor surroundings. Plant bamboo on the balcony for privacy and grow air-purifying plants indoors to create a natural ambience.
2. Engage in Daily Physical Activity
Exercise is essential for overall well-being, reducing the risk of various diseases. City residents may have better access to numerous yoga studios or fitness centers, allowing them to find a workout routine that suits their preferences.
3. Connect with Your Neighbors
Approximately one in six Americans is not acquainted with their neighbors, contributing to rising levels of loneliness. Attempt to interact with your neighbors by offering small gestures of kindness.
Tip: People tend to respond positively to those who seek their help, assuming it’s not excessive. Initiating contact by borrowing a cup of sugar from your neighbor can be an excellent icebreaker!
4. Enhance Home Security
If concerns about crime disturb your peace of mind, you can increase the security of your home. With modern technology, enhancing security has become more affordable and convenient. Even individuals on a budget can invest in security camera bulbs that fit into standard light fixtures or alarms that alert you to any door or window breach.
Assessing the Impact of Urban Living on Your Health
Your health can be affected by city living, but your satisfaction with your residence has the most significant influence. If you enjoy urban life, utilize the aforementioned strategies to enhance your well-being.