Tips for healthy living in a city

Did you know that almost half of adults in the Netherlands regularly experience feelings of anxiety or depression? (1) Stress is more common in young adults: More than 4 out of 10 say they often feel tense. (2)

Do you live in the city? Then that risk is even greater. Crowds, noise, and less greenery create extra stimuli. Long-term stress or depression saps energy and makes you more vulnerable to physical and mental health problems. (3)(4)

Fortunately, city life doesn't automatically mean unhealthy living. With the right choices, you can still stay healthy and happy amidst the hustle and bustle.

In this article, I share practical tips with examples from Breda. This way, you can immediately discover what works for you.

Healthy living often starts with what you buy. In ahealth food store in Breda, you'll find everything from organic teas to natural supplements.

What I personally appreciate about these kinds of stores is that they're calmer and more organized than a busy supermarket. You're treated with more attention and often get personalized advice.

This way, shopping becomes not only a practical task, but also a moment of inspiration.

There's nothing quite like coming home with a bag full of fresh produce from the market. In Breda, you can find that at the Chasséveld, for example. There, you'll often find fresh and seasonal produce. This way, you'll naturally eat a more varied diet, and usually more affordably too.

What I love about this is that you buy directly from the farmer or grower. That not only feels better, but you also know exactly where your food comes from.

Cities may seem busy and crowded, but there's often more nature than you think. In Breda, you can enjoy a lovely walk in the Mastbos forest or a bike ride along the canals.

Regular outdoor exercise helps you not only physically, but also mentally. Research even shows that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves concentration, and positively impacts your mood. (5)

Health isn't just about your body. Social connections are just as important. Join a walking group, do yoga in the park, or just chat with your neighbors.

In Breda you will find numerous initiatives, such as senior sports in community centers and walking groups from Valkenberg Park.

We all know it: a cold that just won't go away or a persistent, tickly cough. Often, just getting some extra rest, drinking enough, and eating healthily can help.

Sometimes temporary support can be helpful. For example, you can buy noscapine . This medication suppresses the cough reflex and is often used for dry or tickly coughs.

Healthy living in a city also means finding peace amidst the hustle and bustle. This doesn't have to be big or complicated. A few minutes of breathing exercises, a short yoga session, or simply half an hour without your phone can work wonders.

For me, a little moment of rest feels like I'm "recharging." And it's precisely those moments of silence that give you the energy to experience the rest of the day with more mindfulness and joy.

There's no set formula for a healthy lifestyle. What works for one person might not be the same for another. You might find energy in running or cycling, while someone else finds relaxation in making music or gardening.

The most important thing is that you make choices that feel good for you and that you can maintain in the long run. It's precisely this personalized approach that makes a healthy lifestyle truly work.