For decades, cosmopolitan cities worldwide have held a certain appeal that draws international attention to tourism, work, and permanent settlement. Glittery destinations such as NYC, London, Paris, Miami, and Dubai, to name a few, offer dreams and visions of glamorous living, thriving career opportunities, and a forever-exciting and euphoric social life—and more often than not, most of these cities deliver (if you’re willing to put in the effort).

Spending a short time or a lifetime in any world-class city of your choice can leave you with memories, relationships, experiences, and career trajectories that don’t exist anywhere else or at the same level. However, while there is nothing detrimental about experimenting with life in a mega-city, it can take its toll mentally, physically, and financially if not pursued with some strategy and intention. The goal is to sustainably enjoy all the benefits a large and vibrant city offers you over the long term without the exhaustion or burnout that comes with it.  

Below are a few things you could try if you are a slow-living enthusiast either currently living life in a big city or planning a move to one in the near or distant future while still hoping to maintain balance:

HOW TO LIVE A SLOW LIFE IN A BIG CITY

Develop spending boundaries.

No matter your income, I believe in and promote the practice of creating a budget based on amounts that apply to different areas of your own living experience. Unlimited disposable income is a luxury only a tiny percentage of the world’s top earners can genuinely afford, and exerting no limits on one’s spending is one of the first sins committed against slow-paced living in a big city. Although careers in big cities often offer higher salaries to accommodate the cost of living, sticking to a predetermined budget is still advisable. Doing so also creates a ripple effect, enabling a slower lifestyle as it controls your spending and forces you to stay home as needed.

Select the right neighborhood that meets your needs.

Living in the right area within your city has numerous benefits that can contribute to a slower-paced lifestyle. Neighborhoods that offer a short commute to work, parks, and other nature-heavy recreational spaces, or ones more family-oriented than designed for young singles, can help create a healthier and more balanced way of life.

Design a wellbeing routine.

Prioritizing things such as a nutritious diet, a meditation practice, and an exercise routine that you genuinely enjoy can help create an anchor around which the rest of your busy, big city life can revolve.

Limiting alcohol intake has also phenomenally improved the quality of my own life and is something I highly recommend. A 2018 article by Harvard Health discusses the link between alcohol and aging. This combined with fast-paced life in a big city can significantly deteriorate one’s health and appearance.

Designate “stay home” days and nights of the week.

This one can be challenging if you live in a city that enables a “work hard, play hard” lifestyle. Whether it’s hitting a pub in London, rooftop drinks in New York, or a theatre night in Amsterdam, the endless cultural and social options of big-city living can do little for those looking to simultaneously save money, stay healthy, and get much-needed rest and relaxation.

This is where it could be good to practice some relentless self-discipline and assign certain weekend days or nights where you deliberately plan an entertaining night at home.

Entertain at home.

Hosting is practical and just plain fun! Game nights, dinners, movie nights, BBQs—the list goes on. Not only is hosting at home far more intimate and inviting, but your guests will most likely feel more relaxed, and it’s a safer option just in case anyone needs to stay over last minute.

Cultivate hobbies that you can enjoy at home.

I, for example, have recently decided to take up calligraphy (to each their own, right?). Hobbies that give you an incentive to have a night in, either solo or with friends, are a fantastic alternative to having a hectic night out or having to get dressed to go anywhere.

Some ideas include reading, writing, cooking, or any other creative endeavour that held your interest when you were younger or in the recent past that you’ve been dying to resurrect.

Vet your social calendar.

This point is a relational art form. Big city living can result in multiple social circles between work, family, friends, and your romantic life. It’s essential to prioritize key events with key people and exercise diplomatic discretion when you have to turn others down (to be prioritized at a more well-suited time, of course). Doing so will provide your life with much-needed balance while also ensuring that you don’t miss the beautiful and important occasions with your nearest and dearest.

Raise pets.

Our furry children give us the most adorable and cuddly reasons to socialize less and live slow. They usually require consistent attention and care numerous times per day, which can and will limit your time spent outside of the home.

Besides responsibility, time with our pets is incredibly therapeutic and can serve as the perfect source for calm and peace, mental rejuvenation, and improved overall emotional health.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope what you have read has somehow educated, informed, or inspired you.

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