London can quite fascinating. It has a magic about it. This great city has withstood famine, war, and even terrible fashion trends and still managed to instill awe. The impressive architecture and historical buildings along with the cobblestone streets and cultural diversity all are incredible to witness. Bathing in London’s essence can be both breathtaking and quite honestly, exhausting.
It does take a certain person to be able to survive the grueling treadmill that is London. I’ve heard the saying that if you can make it in New York City you can make it anywhere. Well, I’d like to give those people who survived NYC an invitation to give London a try. It is a grind. An endless grind of sameness. You have the usual routine of waking up, commuting, working the job, commuting, dinner, and then the ever-necessary sleep. Unfortunately, in a city as big as London, the waking hours of the day become consumed with that very routine day in and day out. It can become your entire life. And not only is that not fun but it’s not healthy either.
The entire week keeps churning along, a train not stopping until it gets to its destination which is never seen on the horizon. But surely once the weekend comes, you’ll have time to relax and hang out with friends and family, right? Not usually. Usually, the weekends are reserved for the errands, chores, and general housekeeping necessary to feel like you have a somewhat respectable home.
The problem with all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy as per James Howell’s proverbs is that it wears you down. It truly does take the luster off. When life is reduced to marking time between home and work it can suck the life right out of you.
But take heart. That’s why you’re here. You read the title of the blog and it spoke to you and you were hoping to find some magical tips to ward of the depression and anxiety of adapting to London’s constant grind.
The List
So, how to cope with life in London when the Big Smoke gets you down and you feel like you’re nothing short of gum on its boot heel. While that might be a bit melodramatic it’s a sensation that many Londoners feel from time to time. So, what to do when you’re feeling lonely or depressed. Well, for one thing start doing the things that made you fall in love with London in the first place. It will rekindle the passion for the city and breath life back into that lonely heart of yours.
- Go out and do something. Even if for just an hour or two. Get out of the house and do something spontaneous. Visit some of the wonderful free museums and galleries in London. They are filled with wonderful art that strums the heartstrings and stirs the cockles of your heart. You know it does. Stop looking at me like that. The best part about it is they are completely free. You’ll forget about the headaches and the loneliness as you roam through some of the most incredible artwork in the world.
- Do a little research and find a park or two to your liking and start going. If you enjoy a hike, then find a park with hiking trails. If you enjoy biking then finding a park with bike trails. There’s something for everyone in this great city. There is nothing quite like going to a park and soaking up a bit of the sun. Give it a try. You won’t regret it.
- Do something completely out of character. If you’re not a night owl then make it a point to go out late to a club, bar, restaurant, or just take a late-night ride on the Tube or bus.
Suck It Up. I Promise It Will Get Better.
- While riding the Tube make sure cough. Really obnoxiously. See the reaction. You won’t regret it.
- Find a great location to watch the sunset. It’s not to be missed.
- Take a week and vow off social media. Disconnect from the Internet and engage in the world around you. It’s okay. They’ll still be there when you get back. And think of it. You’ll have some new adventures to share.
Other Necessities.
- Invest in a good pair of earbuds. Audio books can provide a great escape from the doldrum days when you need to fill an hour but don’t want to make the effort of packing up and heading out.
- If you’re not comfortable making small talk among strangers, then at least listen to what they are talking about and find out how they talk and then give it a try. It’s one of the best ways to make new friends.
- Waterloo Bridge comes highly recommended for people watching and for the lovely sights. Give it a try.
- Take a look at your finances. Do you really need to work as much as you are? Maybe there are some ways to cut some expenditures back and give you a break at work. Give it a try.
- Try a new restaurant once a week. Even if it’s a cuisine you’re not all that excited about. Trying new things is another great way to meet new people.
- As with social media, try and cut the cord from your mobile. Just put it down. Try it for thirty minutes. Then an hour. It’s honestly not that hard if you have something else to engage your brain. It’ll be worth it. You won’t realize how much time you’ve spent falling down the rabbit hole that is your mobile until you start making an effort to separate yourself from it.
- Read a book. Doesn’t have to be anything mind blowing. Just something to take you away from the reality around you.
- Go see that movie you hear everyone talking about at the office or on the tube or that you’ve seen mentioned on social media. Escape into another world watching it.
Well, that’s it. Give it a try. Pick a few of the items from the list and I bet you’ll notice a difference. Never give up.
