New York City is one of the most amazing places in the world. No matter which way you go, nothing is ever exactly the same as it was the day before. This unique quality allows its residents to discover something new every day.
New York City has ample resources to connect people to information about activities, gatherings, restaurant openings, sports, museum exhibits, and Broadway shows. However, not everyone takes advantage of them. In my work, I occasionally meet with individuals who feel stuck in a rut. This usually means that they have a regular routine of waking up, going to work, coming home, and then doing it all again the next day. While some have expressed comfort in this routine, others have described feelings of isolation, sadness, boredom, and increased stress. That is why I am encouraging every one of my readers to take on this week’s help yourself to happy challenge.
Challenge: Discover or participate in something new in your town or city.
Breaking out of an every day cycle can be challenging. Here are some ideas for how to improve your emotional and mental health by trying something new:
• Try to take a new route to work each day to experience what different streets and neighborhoods have to offer • Go on a culinary adventure by trying a new restaurant in your town or city each week • Participate in a new exercise class that a local gym is offering • Join a team or club that your town or city sponsors • Look for volunteer opportunities to connect to other individuals in your neighborhood • Attend a community event (see below for a NYC suggestion**)
Whatever you decide to do to complete this challenge, make sure it is something you enjoy. The only way you will be able to help yourself to happy is by staying aware of your own, personal needs and feelings as well as finding a positive balance in your life between routine and branching out and trying new things.
**For those readers that live in NYC, I encourage you to make your new discovery Summer Streets.
Summer Streets will be happening on the next two Saturdays in August. This event shuts down approximately 7 miles of streets from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park allowing people to play, run, walk, and bike. Please click the link for more information.