How to relieve stress in a new city

Written by Daria Kurdyukova

Photo via domestictimes/Flickr

As a New Yorker, you can feel the speed of this never sleeping city — and the stress that comes with it. Being a new resident — not only to New York, but to the United States — can add a whole new level of stress to your life, especially if you do not have the proper work permit or are in the process of looking for a job. It’s easy to get discouraged, but creating a rich social and cultural life can be fun — and affordable.

To manage stress and help combat the daily anxieties that come with leaving your home country, I recommend taking advantage of the inexpensive and free events throughout the city: There are free film showings, yoga classes, outdoor dancing, museums, and other interesting things to do. Here are some of the things I tried that helped ease my transition to NYC from the United Kingdom five months ago.

#1: Try to control your mind with yoga

I found that doing different types of yoga helped me a lot during my first two months living in NYC — especially power and vinyasa yoga.

Vinyasa yoga is all about breathing and moving at the same time. Sometimes it is called a flow yoga, and it helped me to control my mind and my body. Another name for power yoga is “gym yoga.” This style depends on the teacher because they can change the order of the poses. I tried both and was really happy with practicing because it helped me stop thinking about hard situations in my life, stay positive and concentrate on my goals.

I try to practice at home and I go to class twice a week. Incorporating yoga into my weekly routine helps stimulate me to be more organized and disciplined, and is especially helpful while searching for jobs.

#2: Be positive and dance

Another great way to engage your body to help you feel more powerful and accomplished is through dancing. Since moving to New York, I’ve been able to practice many different kinds of dancing as there’s a great variety of studios in city.

Tango has boosted my confidence and made me a happier, calmer person. It is all about energy and concentration on the music and your partner. You can not speak or think about anything else other than what’s directly in front of you while dancing tango. I continue to practice it in NYC with Yamila Viana, an accomplished international dancer.

To help discover your inner energy, creative force and confidence, I also recommend flamenco dancing. Personally I prefer tango to flamenco because of the energetic exchange with a partner, but it depends on what you’re comfortable with.

If you’re looking for something that’s equally empowering, but more like a workout, try Zumba, a mix between various dances, stretching, and strength training. It can help you feel more positive and give you energy to go after what you want in this new country. I take my classes at Athleta on the Fifth Avenue because the teachers are engaging. It’s hard not to feel happier after an hour of zumba.

If you love Bollywood, try Masala Bhangra, which I discovered this year. It’s an Indian dance for people of all ages who love Bollywood dances and want to be active. It does not matter if you have danced before. Try it and you will see the difference in your body and in your mind which calms down and focuses on positive thoughts.

#3: Engage your creativity

If you are as a creative person — like I am — you may want to consider taking classes at a local art school. I recently discovered that painting was like meditation for me, so I signed up for a watercolor class at The Art Students League of New York. My only advice to you is not to give up after the first class. It might be strange and difficult to learn a new craft at first but you will learn a lot of different techniques, regardless of your level.

#4: Volunteer

Volunteering positions are a great first experience in a new country. I began to volunteer in NYC soon after arriving, and I continue to when I have time. It makes me feel good to help others and I’ve made many friends in the process.

I am currently a volunteer with New Women New Yorkers, writing articles for their blog and working at events. In these volunteer positions, I am given an opportunity to help others while practicing my English skills.

But no matter what you choose to help relieve the stress that comes with moving to the intense metropolis that is New York City, always continue working towards your goals. And remember to stay calm and active, be positive and have patience — you will achieve your goals in time.