Stress in the City

City life demands a constant state of alertness and readiness for what’s coming next. Whether it’s weaving in and out of busy sidewalks or the perpetual requirement of multi-tasking, city life is non-stop. This can be overwhelming, often leading to an increase in baseline adrenaline levels, which has a multitude of short and long-term side effects on the mind and body.

Such stress can result in anxiety, anger, agitation or depression. However, when we live in such an environment, these symptoms can almost  appear normal. This can mean that we fail to recognize the significance of our experience and therefore not seek help or make changes to our lifestyle.

In our modern society, stress and overworking is somewhat glorified, making it easy to think that if we’re not stressed, we’re not working hard enough.

For some of us, it becomes necessary to switch into autopilot mode. This allows us to detach from some of the stress we experience. But continuous use of autopilot can lead to a detachment from our social, spiritual and emotional lives, not just from stressful situations.

Whether we’re constantly trying to think three moves ahead, or  habitually sinking into autopilot mode, we miss out on the here and now. We miss out on life.

Country living, on the other hand, can almost seem like an alternate universe. While not necessarily always less stressful, it offers a way of living that promotes a different relationship with stress. Everything from the quiet, to the Vitamin D offered by the sun, to the sense of community often found in rural areas, can influence how we cope and deal with stress.

Living in the country certainly isn’t always quiet, but it can be. Without the constant sounds of traffic, parties, road works, neighbours through paper-thin apartment walls, tip tapping of keyboards and ringing phones, our minds can have a rest. Rather than the sound pollution of a thousand man-made objects, country living offers moments of peace only interrupted by the song of a bird.

The SeaChange Centre says that it is these moments that allow us to pause and breathe. We can take a moment to calm our minds and bodies, as well as become aware of any lingering tension. It is this awareness that can really make a difference in how we manage stress and other strains on our mental health.

Fresh air and sunshine are often small lifestyle enhancements suggested by professionals in aiding poor mental health. Although there are too many variables to sufficiently prove causation, there are numerous studies that show a strong correlation between depression, schizophrenia and other mental illnesses with a low level of Vitamin D or sun exposure. The outdoors type lifestyle that often accompanies country living can be hugely beneficial in this area of mental wellness.

Additionally, the sense of community that often develops in rural areas can have wonderful effects on mental health. Although this might sound counterintuitive, city living can often feel lonely and isolated. People are often so consumed by business and stress that there is little time for developing true and meaningful connections with peers. In rural communities, however, there is often a powerful sense of comraderie. A feeling of belonging encourages us to participate in our lives, fostering a sense of enjoyment and contentment.

Country life offers many benefits on mental health, and reminds us that sometimes the best medicine is to slow down and enjoy some sunshine. Sure beats the stress in the city.