Urban Escapes: How I Found Calm in the Middle of a Busy City

Living in a fast-moving city can be overwhelming. I used to think that peace only existed in mountains, beaches, or quiet countryside spots. But over time, I’ve learned that nature—and calm—can be found right here, even in the middle of all the noise.

This is how I started noticing it in small, everyday ways.

Starting the Day Differently

Earlier, my mornings began with a scroll through my phone. Emails, messages, headlines—it was a rush before the day even began. Then, I tried something simple: I just stopped. I started waking up and letting the sunlight fall on my face. I’d stretch, sit by the window, and just look out. And surprisingly, even in a city, I noticed things—birds hopping on ledges, a soft breeze, sometimes just the stillness of a quiet morning. That one pause changed the tone of my entire day.

Finding Green in the Grey

One day, while walking through a busy street, I turned into a lane I’d never taken before. And there it was—a small park tucked between buildings. Since then, I’ve been finding more of these hidden green corners. I make time to step out—sometimes with a coffee, sometimes just with a thought.

That shift—choosing to notice—brought me back to the present.

A More Mindful Commute

I also started changing my commute. When I can, I walk part of the way or cycle. I take routes with trees, even if they’re longer. Some days, I slow down near a lake (if I get the opportunity, though it is very less unfortunately) or just pause on a quieter footpath. That simple act of not rushing made me feel more connected—not just to nature, but to myself.

Nature at My Desk

At work, I kept a small plant on my desk. I know it sounds basic, but it made a difference. That little patch of green grounded me during hectic hours. Now, I often keep fresh flowers or even a bowl of water with floating petals. These little details bring nature closer—even when I’m indoors all day.

Midday Breaks that Actually Feel Like Breaks

Lunchtime used to mean eating in front of a screen. But now, I sometimes step out to the nearby garden. Sitting on a bench, watching birds or just feeling the breeze—it’s simple, but healing. I’ve even had spontaneous conversations with strangers in parks—something that never happened during my screen-time lunches.

Moving Outdoors

I once attended a yoga session on a terrace surrounded by plants. The fresh air, the sound of leaves, the city skyline behind me—it felt like I was in a different world. I now try to attend more outdoor classes or just do stretches on my balcony. It’s not about perfect workouts—it’s about reconnecting with the sky, the breeze, and my breath.

Evenings with Intention

My favourite part? Evening walks. Watching the city wind down, the lights coming on, the sky turning shades of orange and blue—it became a quiet ritual. Sometimes I just sit by a coffee shop or ride slowly on my bike. It reminds me that I don’t have to make an urban escape to feel at peace.

Ending with Gratitude

Before sleeping, I now take a minute to think about what brought me calm that day. A smile from a stranger, a quiet moment under a tree, or the sound of wind brushing past—tiny things I might have missed earlier. It’s a gentle way to say thank you to the day.

My Simple Realisation - No Urban Escape Needed, Find Calm where you are...

We don’t always need a vacation to feel close to nature. We just need to notice what’s already here. In a world that moves fast, slowing down—even just a little—brings us back to ourselves.