Living in New York City is truly extraordinary. NYC has something special for everyone, from its iconic skyline to vibrant neighborhoods. The city offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth and a rich cultural diversity that celebrates different nationalities, backgrounds, opinions, and lifestyles.
However, as one of the most populated cities in the world, it’s no surprise that New York City can also be a hotbed for germs, illness, and other health risks. From public transportation to large crowds, there are many opportunities for exposure to bacteria and viruses. However, there are also many ways to protect your health while living in NYC. Here are tips to help you stay healthy in the city that never sleeps:
Get a flu shot
With so many people living in close quarters and so much public transportation, staying healthy involves some special precautions. One way to protect your health when living in the city is by making sure you get a flu shot before winter sets in. The flu is highly contagious and can spread quickly through shared surfaces, making it difficult to avoid if you’re out and about regularly.
Getting the shot not only reduces your chances of getting sick but also helps protect those around you by reducing the overall risk of hundreds or even thousands of people becoming infected all at once. Furthermore, for those with compromised immune systems or susceptibility to other illnesses, getting a flu shot every year can reduce their chances of serious complications should they come down with the virus.
Practice good hand hygiene
With the combination of people, pollution and temperatures rising, it’s important to remember the basics of good hygiene. Hand-washing is essential when living in New York. Frequent use of hand sanitizer and multiple daily washings with hot water and soap can help keep germs at bay.
Additionally, avoiding contact with your face is incredibly important to minimize the transmission of any airborne illnesses or contagions. This can be especially challenging during winter weather or periods of high air pollution, as a scarf or hat may act as a tempting barrier. In these cases, layering lotion on hands and face can be a preventative measure against potential skin irritations or reactions.
Protect your eyes
Because of pollution, you know it’s important to keep your fingers away from the eye area as much as possible. However, dust and smoke aren’t the only things that can harm your eyes in this big city. Bright city lights, especially when in the car at night, can also cause serious problems for your eyes.
So visit an eyeglasses store in New York City to get a pair of special protective glasses to help protect your eyes and preserve your vision. If you already have a problem with your eyesight, the experts in the eyeglass store will be able to screen you for any eye problems and recommend the best styles of glasses for your specific needs.
Clean your living space
In a crowded apartment or a small house, you can increase the air quality of the living space and improve your overall well-being by consistently cleaning and decluttering. It is important to remember that dust and pet dander can continue to build up even if they don’t look visible on surfaces.
Regularly dusting off furniture, window sills, and ceiling fans will not only make your home look cleaner but will also reduce allergens in the air. Furthermore, frequently vacuuming carpets and rugs will help keep them looking fresh and alleviate sneezing fits due to allergens in the fibers. Of course, these are just general tips for cleaning the living area. Some may need specific attention according to individual needs. But keeping these basics in mind will ensure your space is neat and healthy.
Get enough sleep
Life in New York can be very busy. But sacrificing sleep to get more done can take a toll not only on your physical health but also on your mental health. Fortunately, there are effective strategies that you can use to ensure that you get enough restful sleep. Firstly, stick to the same bedtime routine – refrain from hitting the snooze button or scrolling through your phone late into the night. Secondly, keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet – utilize blackout curtains or earplugs if noise is an issue. Finally, avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed – both can interfere with sleep quality.
Making time for adequate rest should be a priority no matter where you live, but in New York, it’s essential to maintain your energy levels, so you thrive instead of merely surviving.
With the right tactics, you’ll be able to stay healthy and productive while making the most out of life in the Big Apple. So remember to get a flu shot, practice good hand hygiene, protect your eyes, clean your living space, and get enough sleep. By doing so, you’ll be able to thrive in New York!
