Is it normal to feel anxious when being in a city?

Hi. It’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Greg in Forsberg, New York. I have friends who live in a large city, but I always come up with excuses to avoid going there. Is it normal to feel anxious when being in a city?

According to a study done by the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and the Central Institute of Mental Health, it’s actually more common for people who are born and raised in a city to experience higher anxiety and stress, so it’s no wonder some people experience anxiety just visiting.

Visiting and traveling to cities is nearly unavoidable. This is especially true if you’re searching for a job that may be more popular in urban areas. The best way to overcome this feeling of city anxiety is to teach yourself that there’s nothing to feel anxious about. Remind yourself of how much fun it will be visiting your friends and what a great opportunity it will be to get out of your house.

Are you worried that you may be in danger because of how many people are there? If so, don’t stress about it. Millions of people walk the streets of cities every day to get to school and work, and it’s an everyday thing for them. Also practice meditating before a trip to an unfamiliar city that you may experience anxiety in. Do some yoga beforehand. Actually, according to the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, yoga actually increases Gamma Aminobutyric acid or GABA in the brain. The purpose of this chemical is to balance and regulate nerve activity.

If you just can’t seem to shake your nerves, try exercising. I know. It sounds like so much work, but it really is worth it. Exercising will not only take your mind off what’s bothering you, but it will also boost your body’s endorphin production resulting in you feeling more positive and confident.