3 Ways City Living Increases Your Anxiety

City Sounds

With high-rise housing (meaning lots of neighbors), congested street traffic and seemingly endless construction noise, it is hard to find total peace and quiet in a city. And this noise level impacts a person in a significant way. Research reveals that long-term environmental noise above a certain level has a negative impact on a person’s health and is associated with an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety. Even with the best earplugs, city sounds have a way of seeping into daily life, and thus spiking your anxiety.

Increased Stress

Beyond physical demands, social stress has an amplified impact on a person whose brain is conditioned by urban life. City residents are more sensitive to the chaos of social commitments and more susceptible to developing frustration and anger with their surroundings. One study found that citydwellers’ brains become physically more receptive to social stress than those who live in a more remote environment. In fact, they were 21 percent more likely to experience anxiety disorder and had a 39 percent increased risk of mood disorders.

Mental Illness

While researchers continue to uncover more about the association between place and mental health, it is clear that the stressors of daily life contribute to developing mental health disorders. Compared to those with a more rural upbringing, city residents have higher levels of mood disorders and other psychiatric problems. The risk of developing schizophrenia, for instance, is almost twofold for individuals raised in cities, as the environment is tough on a person’s cognitive functions.

Finding Relief

Short from packing up and leaving, there are ways to find moments of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of a city. Taking a pause to appreciate nature can improve a person’s mental well-being, with exposure to trees, the sky, and natural animal sounds having a clear positive impact. Incorporating a simple visit to a park on a more regular basis is an easy way to sneak in self-care.

It’s also important to note that each city will not have the same kind of negative impact on a person. Copenhagen, after all, is deemed a happy city, due in part to its focus on daily exercise through cycling and walking (also known to benefit mental health). While some improvements can be made over time, taking small steps to boost your mood can help reduce daily stressors that contribute to anxiety.