If you live in an urban area, you can probably relate to the excessive stress that most people face when living in such areas. Most of the time, we are too busy hustling and running from here to there to take a moment to sit and just breathe. We are too caught up in the fast-paced life of the city to have time to reflect on the effect said life has on our physical as well as mental health. So, let us keep everything aside for a while and take a look at what urban anxiety is.

The Urban Jitters: What is Anxiety in City Life?

Anxiety, in general, is our body and mind’s response to stress. It is the feeling we get when we experience something that triggers our ‘fight-or-flight’ response. Remember that orange emotion in Inside Out 2 who we all took an almost immediate dislike to? Yeah, the one with a huge smile and fountain hair. That’s anxiety. And, while her actions were well-intended she created a havoc when she got out of control. That is a very accurate depiction of what anxiety is like.

As shown in the movie, anxiety can show up in various forms. You may feel it physically - shortness of breath, headaches, muscle tension or in extreme cases, panic attacks. Or it may manifest emotionally, like restlessness, irritability or trouble concentrating. Reading most of these things we might think this is just part of city life, it’s not a big deal. But, this “not a big deal”, when left unmanaged can escalate into more serious mental health concerns.

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City Pressures: The Anxiety Triggers

When living in a city, there are various stressors that we come across in our daily lives. Workplace stress from high expectations, tight deadlines and long working hours leaves us little to no time to relax and unwind. This often leads to burnout and anxiety. Students face immense academic pressure with competitive exams getting tougher day by day and high expectations to succeed that leave no room for failure. Many schools fail to prioritize mental health and in turn, students do not prioritize their mental health.

There are other things too. Being stuck in a traffic jam, surrounded by honking cars and the smell of burning fuel, triggers a headache for many, doesn’t it? And while this one might sound strange, but think about it carefully. Have you ever felt lonely even when you’re surrounded by people? This is a very common feeling in urban cities with everyone busy chasing their own dreams and goals. Let’s not forget the financial stress with rent, groceries, bills, and adulting in general if we’re being honest. These small things add up and if ignored for too long, can lead to anxiety.

Finding Zen in the City: How to Manage Anxiety 

Just because you live in a city, it doesn’t mean you need to be consumed by anxiety. There are various ways to manage it and alleviate the stress. Something as simple as practising mindfulness or some breathing exercises can help calm the mind. Meditation, yoga, running, or even taking a walk with music playing in your ears can help relax your mind and body. Going out, meeting new people, or spending time with your family and friends can make a huge difference.

Also, let’s be real - the mindless scrolling of reels on social media and the constant inflow of all kinds of news does not help with the stress and anxiety that we feel. Taking a break from the digital world and setting boundaries with the screen can help you reset and unwind in a healthy way.

However, if you feel your anxiety and stress going out of control, it is okay to reach out for help. You don’t need to let it spin out of control like that little orange monkey in the movie. It’s better to get it under control before it gets worse. Mental health services in India are becoming more and more accessible. There are various online therapy facilities available like Heart It Out. Sometimes, a little help is all we need to get our lives and health back on track.

Photo by  Levi Guzman Team  on  Unsplash

Finding Calm in the Chaos

Anxiety does not have to be the reason for you to miss out on the opportunities provided by urban life. Find something that works for you and create a balance between work and personal life. Make time for your hobbies and self-care. Give your mind and body some rest and let yourself unwind and let go.

That all being said, it is important to remember not to self-diagnose an anxiety disorder. If you feel you might need it, taking an anxiety test is a good starting point, but always consult a mental health expert for an accurate professional diagnosis.