How to make my New Yorker lifestyle Zen + healthy?

Question

It's difficult to live in a city like New York and have that kind of 'life balance' I try to maintain. Cities like this urge you to be decadent, debaucherous, to consume above your means, in all excess, as so many autonomies running around, how can one ever take a moment 'away from it all' without actually leaving? Does anybody have any tips for an urban dweller cut off from Nature, Silence, Light and Reflection?

I do find that New York's population is generally very healthy, eat well , fresh, and many organically; much exercise (at the very least all the walking, climbing stairs, etc).. Even little things, like I heard the Japanese alignin their beds north to south to affect how they sleep and wake up in the morning..
So...
Anybody have any tips for healthy living in New York?

Answer 1

Go to Jones Beach. Find your temporary little place in the world and enjoy as life goes by.

Answer 2

I know exactly how you feel! It's so easy to feel overwhelmed in this city.

That said... What really helps me is getting OUT of the city. You'd be surprised at some of the peaceful places you can find outside of Manhattan. Have you ever walked the promenade in Brooklyn Heights? It's seldom crowded, and it offers an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline. Go at night, and you'll fall in love with New York all over again.

Also, do you spend much time in the city's parks? I know Central Park is usually teeming with people, but there are other options! The park in Dumbo is very peaceful, and there are also nice parks in Fort Green (where the park is situated on a rolling hill) and Prospect Park, which is filled with flowers and a lovely Botanic Garden. Or... you could head uptown and hit Fort Tryon Park, which towers above the Hudson River and has some truly impressive views.

As for living healthy, why not take up a sport like yoga, which is good for both the mind and the body?