Five tips for making urban life easier
Life in Seattle can be hard at times… traffic, long lines, noise, etc. The pros and cons of living in a city can really put a person on the fence between staying and going, but learning how to deal with the difficulties can really make the good points of city life well worth the effort. I’ve learned a few things that help ease urban difficulties:
- Be polite in public - It would seem like this would be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how much easier it is on your stress level if you do several little things throughout the day. For example, holding the door for another person or just saying hello with just a nod when passing someone on the street. If someone greets you on the street, acknowledge the other person. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than greeting someone and getting no response at all.
- Talking while driving - Lately I’ve made a point to not use my cell phone while driving on the city streets. Seattle streets are very narrow and have lots of cyclists and pedestrians and a driver’s attention is very important. If you must use your phone, get a handsfree kit or a bluetooth headset for your phone (in some states this is the law).
- Lay off the horn (and the middle finger) - Getting upset when another driver makes a mistake just raises my heart rate and my stress level. I’ve found that if I give people a break on the road, I enjoy my drive a whole lot better. If someone honks at you or flips you the bird, realize that it is not your problem… don’t let it become your problem by reacting negatively.
- Be patient - Waiting in line at the market or waiting in traffic are cold, hard realities of city life. Spend that time contemplating new business ideas or, when in the car, listen to NPR. Rather than talking loudly on the cell phone while in line, try talking to the people around you.
- Build community - I have found it difficult to meet new people in Seattle and build a social network. Recently, I took over the role as organizer for the Seattle Area Sea Kayaking Meetup group. I’ve met some really cool people in the group who are simply looking to also build a social network around an activity they enjoy. Take the time to join a group or volunteer for a non-profit organization. Meet your next door neighbors and invite them over for coffee. For that matter, invite others into your home.
A city is really just a collection of smaller communities which happen to be in very close proximity to each other… I do believe when we make urban life easier for ourselves, then we make it easier for those around us at the same time.
3 comments February 13th, 2007
