Do you suffer from City-itis?

December 1st, 2013

After working with patients for many years in New York City, I have seen many cases of “City-itis”.  This is my own phrase for a condition that I see which occurs after people remain within the boundaries of the city for long periods of time.  My patients usually tell me they can’t sleep at night, they feel anxious all the time, they feel like time is moving very fast, and sometimes even depressed.  I usually ask them one simple question, “When was the last time you physically left the city?”  The answer is usually 6 months or more.  Some have even skipped out on their allotted vacation time and opt to continue working on their work projects!  It is no wonder they don’t feel well.

Your environment affects the way you feel.  The fast pace of the city, the crowds of people, and the constant stimulation of lights and sounds takes a toll on your body.  Studies have shown that when people are exposed to bright flashing lights or loud, fast-paced music, your brain becomes stimulated and your heart rate and blood pressure increase.  In many cities, the street lights and constant car traffic create a place which never gets completely dark and is noisy all the time.  Imagine the effect of living in a city 24/7 for 6 months!  It is no surprise this could have an effect on your overall wellness.

The solution?  I tell my patients to get out of the city.  For those with means, a flight down south to a sandy beach in Florida is a great solution and a way to get much needed vitamin D during the wintertime.  Another easy option is to drive 45 minutes outside of New York City where there are beautiful parks such as Harriman State Park, Bear Mountain State Park, Robert Moses Beach, Fire Island National Seashore, and the Palisades Park.  Hiking in the woods, walking along the beach, observing nature, and getting fresh air for a few hours provide a required respite from the city.  Even sitting in Central Park is enough to bring people back to a sense of calmness and feeling centered.  Most of my patients who follow my suggestion tell me they are amazed at how quiet it is for the first hour after leaving the city.  Some even tell me that their ears start ringing because they are not used to the silence.  Humans are in many ways no different from animals.  We have an inherent need to see nature.  It is the natural environment that make us feel safe and comfortable, not the concrete buildings and asphalt in which we currently live.  Ever wonder why you feel so much better just watching a nature program on TV?

Just as eating, drinking, and getting adequate sleep are important to your overall health, so is the need to allow the mind to relax.  This is better than any medication.  Feeling stressed in the city?  You may just need a “Prescription for a Nature Getaway”.