Tools For Braving the Urban Jungle

For nearly two decades, I underestimated the sheer stress that comes just by choosing to live in an urban jungle. Amidst the traffic, poor air quality, high cost of living, and the general pace of life — Los Angeles is by far the most stressful places I’ve lived.  You actually have to TRY to relax here, which is really saying something. It led me to wonder: What are some easy ways to self-soothe? I found a few I wanted to share with you.

1. Outdoor exercise – If you live in a big city or have an indoor desk job, you might have a deficit of exposure to Mother Earth. People with Nature Deficit Disorder who exercise outdoors in a natural environment are less agitated and have an easier time focusing. Take my NDD challenge.
2. Indoor exercise – One psychologist I interviewed told me in his 25+ years of clinical practice, he firmly believes that a full 90 percent of his patients experiencing depression would not require therapy if they would just exercise regularly. The bottom line is that the stress has to go somewhere. Exercise releases the stress and gives you a boost of mood enhancing endorphins. Think of it as natural morphine. More…