In the hustle and bustle of a big city like NYC, life often feels like a never-ending race. But what if you could find a way to hit the brakes and savor the moments that matter most? ‘Slowing down’ isn’t something our culture does well. However, when it becomes a focal point of your life, it leads to micro improvements in almost every area.
The Need to Slow Down
Living in the Big Apple has a certain allure – the job opportunities, cultural attractions, and the vibrant atmosphere are all part of the urban charm. However, the constant rush can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Stress, burnout, and a feeling of always being on the go are common side effects of city life. That’s where the need to slow down becomes overwhelmingly apparent.
Slowing down isn’t about abandoning the city’s dynamism; it’s about finding a way to live intentionally within it. When you consciously choose to create pockets of calm and mindfulness in your day-to-day life, you’ll discover that it leads to micro-improvements in almost every area of your existence.
The Benefits of Slowing Down
We all have different needs, experiences, and circumstances. However, when you zoom out and look at it from a big-picture perspective, these are some of the most obvious benefits of slowing down:
- Reduced Stress: Slowing down and living intentionally can reduce the stress that comes with the urban lifestyle. Rushing from place to place, constantly checking your watch, and feeling the pressure to keep up with the city’s pace can leave you feeling overwhelmed. By introducing moments of stillness and mindfulness, you can combat the negative effects of chronic stress.
- Improved Well-Being: A slower pace allows you to pay more attention to your well-being. You can make better choices when it comes to nutrition, exercise, and sleep. You’ll have the time to focus on self-care and build healthier habits. In doing so, you’ll find yourself with more energy and a greater sense of vitality.
- Enhanced Creativity: Slowing down provides you with the mental space needed for creativity to flourish. In a fast-paced city, it’s easy to get stuck in a monotonous routine. By embracing a more deliberate pace, you open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives, fostering creativity in your personal and professional life.
- Deeper Connections: Living intentionally enables you to connect more deeply with the people around you. You’ll have the time to engage in meaningful conversations and build stronger relationships. Quality interactions with friends, family, and colleagues can significantly enhance your social well-being.
- Increased Productivity: Contrary to what you might think, slowing down can boost your productivity. When you’re constantly rushing, you’re more likely to make mistakes and overlook important details. A slower, more focused approach to your tasks can lead to improved efficiency and better results.
How to Slow Down in NYC
Understanding the benefits of slowing down and being more intentional is one thing. Actually going out and doing it is something else entirely.
1. Mindful Commuting
Embrace mindful commuting in the vibrant heartbeat of New York City. Transform your daily journey into an opportunity to slow down and savor the unique urban experience. Whether it’s listening to soothing music, delving into a captivating book, or immersing yourself in the captivating cityscape, make your commute a moment of tranquility amid the bustling energy of NYC.
2. Discover Tranquility in Urban Green Spaces
Living in New York City doesn’t mean surrendering to a constant whirlwind. Escape the urban hustle by exploring iconic green spaces. Central Park, with its winding paths and serene lakes, offers a haven for leisurely strolls. You can also meander along the High Line, an elevated park with lush greenery and art installations. Take a break, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a more relaxed pace amid these urban oases.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
3. Work With a Therapist
You might think therapy is reserved for situations where there’s extreme trauma or mental health issues, but it can be extremely beneficial for “everyday” people who are experiencing stress and feeling overwhelmed.
A good therapist can help you unpack some of the mental ‘noise’ and blocks that have built up over so many years of living in a fast-paced culture. For best results, find a therapist in your area. If you’re living in New York City, find a New York City therapist. The benefit of working with a local professional is that they’re also living in the city and understand the nuances that come with being local.
4. Yoga and Meditation Amidst Skyscrapers
Embrace tranquility in the midst of the city’s towering structures. New York City hosts numerous yoga and meditation studios that cater to various skill levels. Unwind and find your center through classes tailored to your preference. The practice not only rejuvenates your body but also provides a mental sanctuary, allowing you to momentarily detach from the city’s relentless rhythm.
Watch this amazing sky high yoga meetup:
5. Cultural Respite in World-Class Museums
New York City boasts an unparalleled cultural scene. Slow down by immersing yourself in the artistic treasures of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Wander through its halls, appreciating the diverse range of exhibits. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is another haven for art enthusiasts, where you can lose yourself in contemporary masterpieces. These museums offer a serene escape, inviting you to savor each brushstroke and sculpture at your own pace. Read our post about the great museums of NYC.
6. Hidden Gems and Quiet Retreats
Venture beyond the well-trodden paths to discover hidden gems scattered throughout the city. Seek out serene cafes, tucked-away gardens, or quiet neighborhoods. Places like Gramercy Park, a private, tranquil green space, or the Cloisters, a museum set in Fort Tryon Park with medieval European architecture and gardens, offer a quieter atmosphere for contemplation and relaxation.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
7. Sports and Recreation for a Healthy Break
Engage in sports and recreation to rejuvenate both your body and mind. Central Park provides a sprawling landscape for jogging, cycling, or even a casual stroll. The East River Esplanade offers scenic riverside paths for runners or those looking for a peaceful waterfront setting. Additionally, join community sports leagues or yoga groups for a social yet leisurely approach to fitness. Balancing the city’s vigor with physical activity fosters a more harmonious urban lifestyle.
Watch this to get a glimpse of The East River Esplanade:
Adding it All Up
Remember, navigating New York City doesn’t always require sprinting; sometimes, a leisurely stroll or a moment of quiet reflection can be the perfect antidote to the city’s perpetual motion.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to slowing down in the midst of rapid-paced city life. However, as you can see, there are a variety of options available for you to use.
Our suggestion is simple: Try one this week and see what it does for you. If you don’t notice much change, try something else. Eventually, your determined effort will yield results.
Alex is a computer geek, programmer, who loves traveling. Not the usual mix, but Alex is always with his laptop – no matter how high the mountain he’s hiking on. On every peak he reaches, he writes a story that captures it all.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram