Image by Leo Newball / Nexeus Fatale via Flickr
It’s no secret that people who live in the city – particularly those raised in one – have higher risk for anxiety and mood disorders than country folk. Studies upon studies have found this, and any city dweller could probably attest to this reality. But a new study in the journal Nature finds that these behavioral differences can actually be seen in MRI scans of the brain itself. Knowing the psychological "risks" of the city, how do we counteract them?
In the new study, city dwellers had heightened responses to stress in the brain’s amygdala, which plays key roles in mood, depression, and anxiety, compared to people living in towns or in the country. People who were raised in a city also had more activation in another brain area: the cingulate cortex, which is linked to the regulation of the stress response, particularly to chronic social stressors, and to negative mood. So the brain is apparently sensitive to the timing of city dwelling, and changes in response to whether one grows up or lives in a city now.
What’s the explanation for these city-induced psychological difficulties? Is it because we’re surrounded by bricks and mortar and rarely get to feel the grass beneath our toes? Possibly. As study author Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg points out, city people do have to combat more noise, pollution, and toxins than people who live in less-cramped locales, which could all play into the phenomenon. But there’s another explanation.
City people experience many more social stressors than people in less populated areas. If you live in a city, just think about the raw number of interactions – not all of which are pleasant – you have every day. We’re bombarded by people from every direction, from subways and elevators to the office building and Starbucks. (As I write this – at Starbucks, of course – the piercing sounds from the kids on one side of me are competing with the overpowering body odor of the guy on my other side: I can feel my amygdala lighting up.) And earlier studies have linked social stressors to changes in the very same brain areas highlighted in the current study.
So while city dwellers may have more social interactions, they’re not necessarily good ones. There’s a difference between having numerous social interactions on a daily basis and having a strong social support network, which has been linked to fewer health problems, mental health problems, and a longer life span. The better our social support from family and friends, the more resilient we become, in body and mind.
A final thought, suggested to me by a random Starbucks patron (more on this irony in a moment), is that the elements that allow the big city to flourish are exactly what make it so stressful. The crowds, the living cheek by jowl with others, the financial consciousness and economic pressures, even the extraordinary public transportation system, all contribute both to the city’s "vigor and its tearing difficulty.” It is, of course, moments like these – the fact that a anonymous person would articulate his thoughts to help out a total stranger – that make the other, more stressful interactions seem not so trying.
So how do city folk de-stress while still enjoying the benefits of city life? It’s all about developing and maintaining strong relationships with other people – and perhaps with green things outdoors – says Meyer-Lindenberg. He jokes that “based on my study the only thing I can recommend is a trip to the country…But I am also pretty convinced based that a supportive social network is key, so keep and develop that.” Here are some more ideas for city dwellers to de-stress. Please tell me about your own experiences, stresses, or funny moments living where you do.
- Learn to Communicate
Communication is actually a cognitive skill that can be learned, says Meyer-Lindenberg. Feeling comfortable about speaking your mind, rather than stifling your voice, can significantly reduce your stress level.
- Detox with a Day Trip
Take a drive or train ride outside of the city on your day off. Go upstate, to the coast, or to the mountains…just to walk around in some fresh air.
- De-Isolate Yourself
It may sound hokey, but join a group. The internet has made doing so easy and embarrassment-free. Sites like MeetUp.com, which offer specialized groups for many different interests, can be a great place to start.
- Go for Green
Exercising outside in a green space – for as little as five minutes a day – helped boost people’s self-esteem and mood significantly, one study found.
- Have a Lunch Date with the Locals
For Sunday brunch, don’t just try a new restaurant, try a new town. Take a drive an hour or two outside the city, and discover a new haunt in a whole new location.
- Stress Management
Even a time management crash course, says Meyer-Lindenberg, can do a lot to reduce your stress level. There are many methods of stress management, which can be as simple as changing your diet or adding some exercise to your routine.
- Zone out with Some Zen – or Zumba
Engage in a new relaxation technique, says Meyer-Lindenberg, like breathing, meditation, yoga – belly dancing? – or anything else that relaxes and delights you.
