Thriving Together: Elevating Mental Health in NYC through Engaging Recreation Activities
Loneliness in New York City (NYC)
The loneliness menace in New York City and nationwide existed even before the COVID-19 pandemic. A January 2020 report by the health insurer Cigna 'Loneliness and the Workplace', indicated that most New Yorkers are considered lonely. According to the 2019 study, the number of New Yorkers who reported being in better or good mental health had decreased to 77% from 83% in 2018.
Some of the loneliness indicators the study identified were:
Feeling there's no one to turn up to
Feeling no longer close to anyone
Feeling isolated from others
Dr. Murthy's emphasis on the importance of social connection had been captured in this Cigna report, which indicated that New Yorkers who lacked daily in-person interactions scored higher in loneliness with more than eight points. While loneliness was reported across the board, those who work in entertainment and gig economy industries were the loneliest. Workers in entry-level and senior executives also reported the highest levels of loneliness.
Nationwide, loneliness is increasing across all generations, with the youngest being the loneliest. Gen Z tops the list, followed by millennials, Gen X, and boomers as the least lonely.
Ways to Combat Loneliness and Improve Your Mental Health in New York
Despite the rising concern of loneliness in New York, the city has endless opportunities New Yorkers can explore to improve connectedness and enhance their mental health. Optimal mental health is crucial as it helps foster better relationships, decision-making, higher productivity, and general well-being.
The first step to overcoming loneliness is to own up your situation without feeling guilty about it. If you struggle with overwhelming feelings of loneliness, you may consider exploring cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). There are many paid and free therapy providers in the city, such as the City University of New York and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Essentially, a therapist can guide you on ways to overcome the negative thoughts that make you feel lonely, a process known as cognitive restructuring. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is another possible therapy that emphasizes fighting loneliness through mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. You may also be encouraged to engage in behavioral activation, a CBT technique that involves doing activities that boost positive mood and social engagement.
Some of the activities you can enjoy in the city include:
Joining Meet-Up Groups
Not only do meet-up groups allow you to connect with new people and expand your network, but you also get to discover new places and develop your social skills. Examples of popular meet-up groups in NYC include Girls on the Run NYC and International Friend Connection.
Attending Night Markets
Night markets offer New Yorkers an opportunity to explore and enjoy shopping in a relaxed environment. Not only do they offer unique cultural experiences, but they provide an opportunity for you to establish rewarding social connections. Popular night markets in NYC include the Union Square Night Market, Chelsea Market, Queens Night Market, Bronx Night Market, Uptown Night Market, Brooklyn Night Market, Grand Central Market, and Byrant Park Christmas Market.
Joining Interest-Based Groups
These are more like meet-up groups but mainly provide a safe space for people with shared interests to develop their skills and further common goals while building social connections. Examples of interest-based groups in NYC include, Women Who Code NYC, NYC Outdoor Badminton, The Thalesians, and New York Story Night.
Joining a Workout Group
Workout groups not only help you achieve your fitness goals but they also provide a supportive environment where you can draw motivation and inspiration and keep you accountable. Working out in a group also provides you with the opportunity to expand your network and build social connections. There are several workout groups in New York, such as City Girls Who Walk, DanceBody, Barre 3, Crown Heights Running Club, The Dance by Amanda Kloots, Mile High Run Club, and Shape Up NYC.
Visiting Museums
Museums provide an excellent opportunity to connect with our cultural heritage. Besides learning about history and culture, the experience also allows you to unwind and get inspired, while enjoying meaningful interactions with your family, friends, or acquaintances. Popular Museums in New York City that you can explore include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, The Met Cloisters, Whitney Museum of American Art, and The Jewish Museum.
Visiting City Parks
Parks provide you with an opportunity to connect with nature, which is immensely beneficial for your mental health. Most parks also feature trails where you can take brisk walks and get some much-needed physical activity while bonding with loved ones or simply enjoying nature. There are lots of great parks across NYC, such as Central Park, The High Line, Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Washington Square Park, and The Battery.
These are just a few of the activities you can enjoy in NYC to improve your mental health; there are certainly loads of others awaiting you to explore.
Ready to Combat Loneliness and Safeguard Your Mental Health?
If you have been experiencing loneliness and were worried about its potential effect on your mental health, we hope this post has been helpful. Though loneliness is a universal experience, chronic feelings of being alone can adversely affect your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Thankfully, there are multiple ways you can combat loneliness right here in NYC. The ones we've listed above are just a few examples, there are a dozen other activities to explore.
Meanwhile, if you're looking for a studio for your wellness practice, Broadway Suites has the right space for you. Contact us today for inquiries or to book your space.