--- title: "Working with Stress: 5 Ways to Slow Down in NYC" description: NYC city life can be difficult on your central nervous system, living in the state of fight or flight. Learn how to fight daily stress with therapist Alison Pepper. image: https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hubfs/foggyNYC.jpg --- stress # Working with Stress: 5 Ways to Slow Down in NYC NYC city life can be difficult on your central nervous system, living in the state of fight or flight. Learn how to fight daily stress with therapist Alison Pepper. [ Alison Pepper, LCSW ](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/author/alison-pepper-lcsw) May 7, 2019 --- Life in NYC or any large metropolitan area has its ups and its downs. We are constantly bombarded with people in our personal space, loud noises, strong smells and the list goes on and on. Our central nervous system is taxed and most of us are living in a state of stress as our bodies respond to the environment around us day to day. Therefore, finding ways to slow down, calm down, and destress can be very important.  In this article therapist and neurofeedback trainer, Alison Pepper LCSW explores ways to de-stress. ## Are we a Nation Under Stress? Stress is ever prevalent in our society today especially after the [Covid-19 pandemic](https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/12/12/at-least-four-in-ten-u-s-adults-have-faced-high-levels-of-psychological-distress-during-covid-19-pandemic/). Stress is now being expressed and experienced on a much higher rate now than it was 20 years ago.  Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores this in a recent documentary for CNN, *One Nation Under Stress*. Watch the trailer below.     ## **5 ways to slow down and destress in NYC** ****Explore new ideas and inspiration on how to deal with stress**** ### ![neuroptiomal-neurofeedback-training-at-home-session-600px-for-email](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/At_Home_Photos/neuroptiomal-neurofeedback-training-at-home-session-600px-for-email.jpg?width=394&name=neuroptiomal-neurofeedback-training-at-home-session-600px-for-email.jpg)1) Neurofeedback Training Neurofeedback is a safe and non-invasive brain training tool that builds resilience and flexibility. The NeurOptimal® neurofeedback machine works by training the brain to use *present moment* information to decide what to do next, rather than old, out-of-date information.   This advanced brain training technology--developed in part by NASA-level engineers -- works by triggering what is called the orienting response, which is the brain’s ability to sense change in the environment and take in new information about what is different. This helps the brain and central nervous system reset itself by looking at habitual patterns on a subconscious, electrical level.  **![nyc neurofeedback training center located at Union Square](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/NeurofeedbackTraining_January2019/Images/ny-neurofeedback-nyc-therapy-clinic.jpg?width=410&name=ny-neurofeedback-nyc-therapy-clinic.jpg)Neurofeedback might be for you if you are** - Feeling frazzled or stressed - Looking to calm down and relax - Hoping to enhance your creative process - Support or deepen your meditation practice - Find more internal and external stability  - Longing to connect more with the world around you [Neurofeedback sessions](https://www.neurofeedbacktraining.com/sessions) offer you time to simply take care of you. A program lasts 33 minutes, and a session takes a total of 45-50 minutes. It's a very relaxing session and sleep is encouraged during a training session. **Here are some neurofeedback reviews from New Yorkers:** > "I highly recommend Neurofeedback to anyone who want to feel more focused and relaxed. This is the place! Convenient location [at [Union Square](https://www.neurofeedbacktraining.com/nyc)], super friendly knowledgeable staff, wonderful relaxing experience, great benefits." > > "I found that neurofeedback was very effective for me, and so so calming among many other benefits. I did so much research on where to go for training and I couldn't be any happier with my choice! I highly recommend it!!!" > > "I feel that I'm more present as a result of the neurofeedback training.  It seems to me that it complements and supports meditation." To learn more about neurofeedback and how to get the best results from brain training check out [this blog](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/neurofeedback-results) by therapist and expert neurofeedback trainer Natalie Baker LMHC.   If not located close to our NYC Neurofeedback Training Co. [location](https://www.neurofeedbacktraining.com/nyc),  we also offer home system rentals. The system we use, called NeurOptimal neurofeedback is fully automated and easy to use. Learn the cost and how to get started with home neurofeedback [here](https://www.neurofeedbacktraining.com/rent). --- #### Related Article #### [Can Neurofeedback Help My Anxiety?](https://buddhistpsychotherapyny.com/can-neurofeedback-help-with-anxiety/)   --- #### ![madison-lavern-1485164-unsplash](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images%20(2019)/madison-lavern-1485164-unsplash.jpg?width=400&name=madison-lavern-1485164-unsplash.jpg) ### 2) Meditation Meditation is a powerful practice that has been utilized for over 2500 years. Whether meditation is part of your spiritual path or part of your health and wellness routine it can bring tremendous benefit and support. Research today confirms that meditation can greatly impact and change the brain.  [Neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson](https://www.richardjdavidson.com/) at the University of Wisconsin has done extensive research on meditators and documented the brain changes from meditation using fMRI imaging.  His main findings show that the right pre-frontal cortex, which is connected with experiencing sadness, has decreased activity after meditation training and the left pre-frontal cortex, which is connected with feeling happiness has increased activity. Mindfulness meditation has now been linked to enhanced mood regulation and positive emotions, as well it builds focus, awareness, and empathy. Meditation is not only for adults, the research is also being done on children and showing that they benefit greatly from the practice at home and at school.   --- #### **Also Read:** #### [Ease Your Performance Anxiety – The Best Mindfulness-based Stress Techniques](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/mindfulness-for-performance-anxiety-does-meditation-work)   --- ### Meditation Instruction NYC One aspect of my work as a therapist and neurofeedback trainer in NYC is providing meditation instruction when needed and appropriate. I teach in meditation centers and at schools from time to time. My focus is helping others to start a meditation practice. If looking to learn to meditate or help your meditation practice, here are the areas we would explore together: - maintain a regular practice by finding the inspiration to continue meditating even when life is stressful or when meditation feels flat or boring.  - prepare for retreat as well as integrating upon retreat from retreat  - connect with the Buddhist teachings like the 5 wisdom energies, the 4 karmas, or the 5 scandas can help people work with their mind and work with difficult people or situations in their lives ### [![The Wisdom of No Escape by pema chodron is a classic meditation book](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Books/the-wisdom-of-no-escape-meditation-book-by-pema-chodron.jpg?width=344&height=344&name=the-wisdom-of-no-escape-meditation-book-by-pema-chodron.jpg)](https://www.shambhala.com/the-wisdom-of-no-escape-1713.html)Tips for your meditation practice If you have a meditation practice, ask yourself - how is it benefiting your daily life - and how can you take that deeper? If you are hoping to start a meditation practice consider what inspires your and how you would want to connect? T[he classic meditation book](https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-No-Escape-Loving-Kindness-ebook/dp/B00BBXJH5Y/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1548362542&sr=8-7&keywords=when+things+fall+apart+pema+chodron)* [The Wisdom of No Escape](https://www.shambhala.com/the-wisdom-of-no-escape-15108.html)* by Pema Chödrön is a helpful read, or explore an app such as [Headspace](https://www.headspace.com) or [Buddhify](https://buddhify.com). There are hundreds of podcasts and [classes available in NYC](https://ny.shambhala.org/) as well as retreats in [upstate NY](https://www.westchestermeditationcenter.org/). But wherevere you are, anyone can practice meditation, and* it's free!* ---   #### Watch Also:     --- ### 3) Getting creative with exercise  ![Even excercise can be creative](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/runningoutside.jpg?width=300&name=runningoutside.jpg)A little bit of exercise can go a long way.  And getting creative about how you think about exercise and how you do it can really help. It doesn't have to be this long tiring thing you do at the gym. It can be short and sweet but the key is that one does it. So being realistic to what will fit into your life and what's inspiring to you is important.  As routine is important for our minds, to relax, it does magic for our bodies as well. Regular sleep, sport, eating habits. Most of people don't realize it until they have a problem. Sensitive people see it on a daily bases. Did they skip an hour of sleep? Or a meal? Or did they skip daily exercise  A simple routine-skip can lead to constipation, tireness, headaches or angry mood during the day.  --- ### **ALSO READ** **[Even a Little Exercise Might Make Us Happier](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/well/move/even-a-little-exercise-might-make-us-happier.html)** --- ### 4) Getting outside and getting out of the city Getting out of the city might not always feel doable but even within NYC there are places like Inwood Park, Central Park, and Prospect Park where you can find some green, some space, and some sky. Connecting with nature has been seen to reduce heart rate and decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. Like meditation, exercise, and neurofeedback nature has a positive impact on the human central nervous system. Spending time outside or out of the city can be a powerful way to recharge and relax.  Being outside; walking by the ocean, hiking in the woods, swimming in a lack, or playing sports are all moments we can disengage from our screens. As technology gets better and faster our need to stay connected grows to. Being outside in an opportunity to work with our phone or screen habits directly.  ![New York Upstate - feel renewed again](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/upstateNY.jpg?width=400&name=upstateNY.jpg) ### 5) Discovering quiet places Like in nature finding places where you can experience some stillness and quiet will go a long way to support a frazzled nervous system. The city offers so much but I think we forget at times that all the city has to offer is not helpful or support to mind, body, and spirit. Places that are quiet and calling could be the tiny park outside your office or the tea shop you pass by on your way home that is always empty. Quiet spaces could be stepping out of your house when young children screaming inside to walk around the block,  your hair salon, nail spot, favorite bookstore, or place of worship.  Once you find these quiet place, visit them. Make time for them and for you. The more one can decompress the more one can open up and do. The challenges of life will constantly ebb and flow around us but how we care for ourselves will greatly impact how we feel and how we can care for others.  [stress](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/topic/stress) [stress reduction](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/topic/stress-reduction) [emotional wellness](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/topic/emotional-wellness) [calm down](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/topic/calm-down) [New York neurofeedback](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/topic/new-york-neurofeedback)   ## By Natalie N. Baker, MA, LMHC Licensed Psychotherapist, NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Trainer, Meditation Teacher **Natalie Baker has over 25 years of experience** as a licensed psychotherapist and has been a **NeurOptimal® neurofeedback trainer since 2011**. She is the founder of **Neurofeedback Training Co.**, which offers in-person sessions and runs the **largest nationwide home rental program** for NeurOptimal systems. Natalie also teaches meditation and Buddhist psychology and specializes in working with **anxiety, stress, ADHD,** and **trauma**.   ## Similar posts mindful parenting ### [Mindfulness and Parenting: How Neurofeedback Helps Parents Be Flexible](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/mindful-parenting-how-neurofeedback-helps-us-be-flexible-parents) Mindful parenting tips on how to meet the tasks and stressors of parenting and why neurofeedback training should be part of your self care regimen. Heather Coleman, LCSW Jun 9, 2017 mindful parenting ### [When and How Do I Teach My Child Mindfulness?](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/when-and-how-do-i-meditate-with-my-child) Teach your child mindfulness and help them develop self-control, self-regulation, and resilience. Discover the evidence-based benefits in our... Natalie Baker, LMHC Mar 14, 2018 Neurofeedback New York ### [Ways to Relax and Find Mental Perspective](https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/ways-to-relax-in-a-chaotic-world) NYC Therapist Natalia Baker, works as a Neurofeedback Training Coach has these tips for living a more stress-free life. Relaxation and perspective... Natalie Baker, LMHC May 23, 2018 ### Get notified on new blogs Be the first to know about new blogs ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Alison Pepper, LCSW", "url" : "https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/author/alison-pepper-lcsw" }, "dateModified" : "2023-09-13T20:16:59.794Z", "datePublished" : "2019-05-07T00:53:16.000Z", "headline" : "Working with Stress: 5 Ways to Slow Down in NYC", "image" : [ "https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hubfs/foggyNYC.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/5-ways-to-slow-down-and-destress-in-nyc", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.neurofeedbacktraining.com/hubfs/Neurofeedback%20Training%20Co%20-logo-horizontal-final.svg" }, "name" : "Neurofeedback Training Co" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : [ "LocalBusiness", "Organization" ], "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "New York", "addressRegion" : "NY", "postalCode" : "10003", "streetAddress" : "32 Union Square East, S.1017" }, "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "New York", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service", "telephone" : "+13478355408" }, "description" : "Neurofeedback Training offers professional neurofeedback services designed to improve mental health and cognitive performance. Located in New York, we provide personalized training sessions tailored to meet individual needs. Our services ensure that our clients receive the highest quality care and support. For those who prefer the convenience of home-based therapy, we offer home neurofeedback therapy options. This allows clients to benefit from neurofeedback training in the comfort of their own homes, making it easier to integrate into their daily routines. Our home neurofeedback systems are user-friendly and come with comprehensive support to ensure effective use. Understanding the costs associated with neurofeedback is crucial for making informed decisions. We provide detailed information on neurofeedback prices, neurofeedback equipment costs, and the various neurofeedback certification programs available. Our goal is to offer transparent pricing and flexible options to accommodate different budgets and needs. Our neurofeedback services in New York are designed to cater to a diverse clientele. Whether you are looking for neurofeedback therapy in NYC, neurofeedback services of New York, or simply searching for New York neurofeedback options, we have you covered. Our experienced practitioners are dedicated to providing top-notch care and support. For clinicians interested in offering neurofeedback services, we provide a range of neurofeedback machines for sale. These machines are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. Additionally, we offer neurofeedback therapy in NYC to help clinicians understand the practical applications of these machines. In addition to our New York location, we also offer biofeedback services in Denver. Our neurofeedback services in Denver and neurofeedback in Denver, CO are tailored to meet the needs of the local community. We provide comprehensive training and support to ensure the best outcomes for our clients. For those looking to purchase neurofeedback equipment, we offer a variety of options, including the NeurOptimal system. Whether you are searching for NeurOptimal New York, neurofeedback machines, or information on neurofeedback machine costs, we provide detailed information and support to help you make the best choice. Our professional neurofeedback equipment is designed to deliver reliable and effective results. We offer a range of neurofeedback certification training programs to help practitioners enhance their skills and knowledge. Our courses include EEG biofeedback, neurofeedback courses, and EEG biofeedback courses. These programs are designed to provide comprehensive training and certification, ensuring that practitioners are well-equipped to offer high-quality neurofeedback services. Our specialized programs include neurofeedback for kids, brain training for stroke recovery, and neurofeedback for concussion. These programs are designed to address specific needs and provide targeted support to help clients achieve their goals. Our neurofeedback trainer courses are also available for those interested in becoming certified trainers. At Neurofeedback Training, we are committed to providing the highest quality neurofeedback services. Our team of experienced practitioners is dedicated to helping clients improve their mental health and cognitive performance. We use state-of-the-art equipment and evidence-based techniques to deliver effective and reliable results. Our services are designed to be flexible and accessible, with options for both in-office and home-based therapy. We offer transparent pricing and a range of certification programs to meet the needs of both clients and practitioners. Whether you are looking for neurofeedback services in New York, Denver, or beyond, we are here to help. 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