Mental health discussions have been on the back burner for a long time until the pandemic hit the world. While it negatively impacted every aspect of life, one area where people benefited from it has been the open discussions around mental health. The veil of taboo or inhibition associated with it somewhere dropped, bringing people together. Due to the increasing awareness about it, people have become more conscious of their lifestyle choices. One of them is the choice of place where they would want to live or not live. They want to get over the burden of city anxiety by changing their living environment for the better.
Looking back at 2020, you will learn about the trend of the mass city exodus that started and continues to be effective. Cities saw a sharp population decline, whereas rural areas witnessed growth. But how do you determine whether city or rural life improves your mental well-being? Let’s explore this a bit.
Living in a metro
Every area has some advantages and disadvantages. You can find your reason to live in a specific city. People like cities for the growth opportunities related to work, education, freedom, leisure, and more. Diversity is another critical angle as people from different walks of life co-exist. If you study the healthiest US cities 2022 statistics, two Californian cities rank top in peaceful sleep. These include San Diego and San Jose. Even Los Angeles and San Francisco have also earned a place. But one must be aware that fast-paced life only suits some. Some people feel constant pressure to make more, and that is damaging to their mental health. Plus, hustles can lead to burnout.
Some cities have high crime rates, which always makes you feel insecure. You are almost in a fight and flight mode. Another downside of city life is exposure to pollution.
Living in countryside
As mentioned, it also brings a fair share of good and bad experiences depending on your comfort and sense of choices. One of the popular reasons for living in rural areas is less financial strain. The cost of living can be lower when you are away from the city. These areas are closer to nature, which allows you to spend quality time outdoors. It’s a great thing for your mental health. Quietness and low pollution levels are the other highlights. Your brain can relax more because of the less stimulation. But living in a small place may make you distanced from society. Letting go of a few hobbies and leisure activities can also be challenging. Or, consider traveling far to indulge in them, which can be expensive.
Everyone understands rural areas lack opportunities. You may not have a flourishing career, which can be a significant negative if you want to grow faster. Plus, many resources will be inaccessible, and you will have a limited set of people to interact with.
If you compare these, you will realize that these choices ultimately relate to personal preferences, needs, and mindset. Many American cities fare well in terms of an overall healthy environment. You can check them if city life is your priority.
