5 Ways to Calm Your Anxiety in NYC: No Valium Needed

Whether you’re stressed because of work or reeling from breakup, we all feel a little off from time to time. Though it may feel tempting to drown your sorrows in a bottle of Merlot—hey, they don’t call it happy hour for nothing—there are many more helpful (and effective ways) to wash the pain away. Need a little guidance? Take a deep breath. Here are the best ways to calm your anxiety in NYC.

EXPERIMENT WITH A NEW FASHION TREND

Enough with the all black clothing. Life is serious enough—your pants don’t have to be. Head to your favorite store and buy something completely “un-you” be it wide-legged jeans or a Chanel clutch. The point is to get outside of your head and open yourself up to new possibilities. You may love the new neon-wearing version of yourself. Be bold. Be fearless. Be un-you.

GO FOR A RUN ACROSS THE WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGE

The Brooklyn Bridge is stunning—it’s also packed with people… and strollers (ick). For a more tranquil running experience that still boasts killer views of the city and East River, try jogging across the Williamsburg Bridge. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t a runner or if you need to stop five times to catch your breath. Just blast some tunes and hit the pavement.

BUY A BRIGHT RED LIPSTICK

Confident women wear red lipstick—they just do. It’s ballsy, attention-grabbing, and shows that you aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. Best of all, it wipes right off. To find the perfect shade for your skin tone, head to Pucker Makeup Studio in SoHo and get your makeup done professionally. No matter how anxious you’re feeling inside, you’re sure to be smiling when you leave.

WALK SHELTER DOGS

Studies say that people who spend time with animals have lower blood pressure and anxiety levels than those who don’t. And we can see why—they’re cute, they’re cuddly, and don’t even get us started on the feelings that arise when they lick your face. Can’t have a dog in your tiny apartment? Not to worry! Plenty of animal shelters, like the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition, are always looking for visitors to spend quality time with their four-legged residents.

FIND THE BEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE

Cookies make everything better. But don’t just settle for any pre-packaged container from the grocery store. Grab a pal and spend an afternoon strolling all across the city (bonus points if you even head to a different borough) sampling different chocolate chip cookies. Argue about your favorites, maybe even write down your findings. The point is to focus on a single task and have fun doing so.