It’s well-known that living in New York City can be extremely stressful. With so much going on around you, it’s hard to find a time to relax and catch your breath, especially if you’re also dealing with school or work-related stress. With that in mind, here are some ways to reduce stress and anxiety while living in NYC.

Find a therapist

First, try enlisting the help of a professional. A simple online search, such as “therapist in NYC,” or “therapist near me” will yield a multitude of results. You can also try asking friends and family for recommendations. Talking to a therapist will help you get to the root of your anxiety. You’ll learn coping mechanisms to use anytime you start feeling overwhelmed. In addition to helping you fight stress and anxiety, therapy can provide you with a ton of other benefits.

Your therapist will also provide guidance on how to make sure your body is prepared to handle any stress that might come your way. Stress and anxiety can weaken your body and cause physical symptoms if left untreated — in fact, too much stress can actually make you sick. Eating healthy, drinking enough water, and setting aside time to focus on yourself are all essential.

Get enough sleep

Since noise pollution is rampant throughout the city, it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep. Noise pollution is disruptive and can keep your body in high alert when you should be asleep. When you’re experiencing a lack of sleep, you’ll become more easily distressed, as well as irritable and restless. Noise pollution has been attributed to increased rates of cardiovascular disease, psychological issues, and other negative stress responses.

You should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. You can reduce noise in your apartment by sleeping with earplugs, hanging heavy curtains or sealing your windows, and hanging coverings on your walls to block and absorb the noise. To help you fall asleep, you may choose to visit your doctor who might recommend melatonin or meditating for a few minutes before bed. Remember to put away your phone at least a half-hour before you plan on going to bed.

Hit the gym

Try to find time to hit the gym. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress by boosting your brain’s production of endorphins. Along with making you feel good in the moment, regular physical activity helps increase self-confidence and reduces symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Exercise can also be helpful in falling asleep easier.

The gym is also a great way to meditate because it’ll force you to concentrate on your body’s movements rather than what happened the other day at work. Once you begin regularly going to the gym, your brain will become used to focusing on a single task, which can be a useful skill in most things you do. If you’re hesitant to go alone, ask a friend or co-worker to come with you.

Find things that make you happy

It’s easy to feel suffocated when all you do is go to work, come home, and sleep. Find activities that you enjoy and make time for them. Whether it’s shopping, checking out a museum, or creating art, the possibilities are virtually endless in NYC. You’re in the center of everything, so try picking up some new hobbies and making new acquaintances and friends. Finding things that make you feel content will help reduce stress and anxiety as well as allow you to dedicate time toward bettering yourself.

Overcoming the stress and anxiety of living in NYC can seem like a monumental task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can start feeling happier and learn how to effectively deal with feeling overwhelmed. All in all, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.