The Dark Side of Living in the City

[@evazubeck]

And you? Where do you live, and how do you feel about it?

[@PhinClio]

I live in a town with about 130k people twenty miles from a city of roughly half a million. I have enjoyed living in big cities, but I love the outdoors. I think both have their benefits. I think people are wired differently from each other when it comes to responding to urban surroundings. Ultimately, I will probably never live permanently in a really major city, nor do I want to. But I'm glad that they exist as places to visit. And denser living is (or at least can be) a lot more environmentally sustainable.

[@justme-dm7sb]

35 miles SW of Mt. St. Helens in the mountains with old growth and young trees. I am the keeper of a small part of heaven on earth. Although at times it feels a little lonely, I don't sleep well in even the small town close to me. I guess I am used to the silent nights and the animals of the forests milling around. People always ask me, "doesn't it scare you to go outside at night?" I tell them, "no, I am the scariest thing in the woods at night." My mom always said whatever caught me at night would turn me loose when the sun came up. I have to laugh. I love my home and can't imagine living anywhere else. Happy trails Eva!

[@stephenlaws1836]

Rural Murcia region , Spain

[@F1Nazione]

you are brilliant... so well said

[@Aeway100]

@@PhinClio 130k is generally considered a small city, not really a town and much less a rural area. I lived in a small city in Germany that had 60k people, it had all the main amenities of a regular small city with enough hospitals, restaurants, bars and shops to get almost all you need, you don't really need to be in a million people place to call it a city and that's something the US has donde pretty badly, most people have the illusion that 100k is still pretty small, in reality above 30k inhabitants is already big enough to have most of your basic needs covered. If anything 130k people is actually suburb of the city, but it could generally be considered separate because of the county status that might separate it from the main area, in most countries that is still considered to be part of the outer area of a metropolitan area.

[@suziebe2488]

I grew up in Chicago as a total city girl, and now I live alone on 5 acres at the edge of the electricity grid in rural Oregon. I'm 3.5 hours from the nearest metro area. Last time I was in the city for a week I broke down and cried at a stoplight because I hated it so much! Here I have space, quiet, stars at night, a woodstove for heat, my horses in the field, and my own produce coming out of the garden. It's a hardworking lifestyle, so far from home and how I grew up. I'm never going back.

[@LaurenRoerick]

That sounds amazing!

[@user-gjfxhvxt]

will you marry me ?

[@Kim-J312]

I've lived in Chicago most of my life. The crime here has gotten impossible to live with . I saved as much money as possible to plan my escape out of this 💩 hole. Probably won't go total small country town , but definitely want to be somewhere safe in nature and a large town/city 1-2hrs away and I'd be happy with that . Love the outdoors . Chicago is really awful now and just gets worse everyday.

[@DannyArias-ge4he]

I feel the same way. I’m so sick and tired of living in a city. That’s why I’m saving up to just that

[@rosemadder5547]

Imagine growing up in that, without the acres and poor. Thats most of the people in real rural life. Thats what a lot of the ppl moving from the cities into this life will never get. It’s like watching ppl try to pretend to be part of a culture they never knew… and then talk about how hard it is… they do hard work…they rough it… It’s weird to me… it’s hard to explain. Regardless, that sound amazing and good luck on your *new* journey!

[@MateuszUscilowski]

I agree in 100% with you Eva. The world is changing faster and faster, but our mind and body cannot keep up with it. we need to be present in close contact with nature. then we enter a state of balance again

[@izabelasoja9417]

I believe that living the lives we have right now causes more depression partially because our life is so comfortable that we just simply start overthinking it. We don't have to go hunting to find food, basically everything we need for survival is there for us within a single reach. And while it is nice and comfortable to not have to worry about these things, it makes us more prone to worrying about other stuff that don't actually matter that much.

[@justme-dm7sb]

For most people yes. Where I live we still hunt and gather. I wish I could explain the satisfaction of that. But there is another side that people are so far removed from that most couldn't even watch. The blood involved or the fight to the death with a predator that finds you in its favorite berry patch too close to its babies. I think the truth is, most people are happy not knowing the truth.

[@joannakmieciak3556]

It's so true! Especially for people living in the Western World. + Because of our technology we can finish tasks faster, without even putting much effort in them and the spare time afterwards people tend to spend on their phones rather than outside :(

[@aguy559]

And less fresh air.

[@theplasmacollider6431]

That might change soon if the global economy collapses. I'm not saying we'll go back to 18th century technology but a lot of the things will take for granted may disappear. The infrastructure required to build the products and technology we use is quite fragile and one item in the chain going away can cause the whole thing to break down.

[@justme-dm7sb]

@@theplasmacollider6431 Hahahhaha..... "all people today without their cell phones and PCs. LMAO.....

[@HJPeet]

I’ve lived in NYC my whole adult life after growing up in a tiny town in the mountains surrounded by nature. I’m far more relaxed in the city. Errand running is much more quick and convenient and opportunities of learning and expansion are far greater. Exposure to different cultures is a daily occurrence. Living in small apartments is like tiny house life. It means there is less maintenance of your home and less stuff to deal with in general. You can do anything you want at any time. Social anonymity of city crowds is also great for introverts and people with social anxiety. The only downsides of city life are air pollution, noise pollution, and COSTS. The financial stress is probably 99% of the problem for those who live in cities. Regular trips into deep nature are built into my life for quiet and balance, but I’m always happy to come back to the city. ❤

[@UnpluggedEva]

We love this! City living is not unanimous, and some people love it more than others. The key point for us in this video is that while much of our lives are lived in big cities, we need to ensure we all have equal access to green/blue spaces. Either with tree lined streets and local parks with lots of grass, or having the opportunity to leave the city regularly. Right now, not every has this equal access, and the benefits of just walking through a park every day are astounding!

[@bs4697]

Very true!!! Same for me! Love my Munich so much!!!

[@bridget4858]

As someone who grew up in the rural areas and constantly in nature. I completely agree. I am far happier in the city. The rural areas made me feel stifled and bored. I truly think this is subjective on whether you like the city or country. Being alone in nature, especially at night, causes anxiety for me. I do love taking walks in nature and getting away every once in awhile, but I don't think nature is for everyone.

[@bs4697]

@@bridget4858 Exactly, being in nature and especially in the woods alone also during the daytime sacres me. Living in the city however gives me so many opportunities to be outside in nature on a daily bases I feel so safe and relaxed to enjoy nature in the many big and beautiful city parks (of course during daytime and early evening only)

[@bobbygotsch4909]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way!! We’ll said.

[@jeanettemarkley7299]

I grew up and lived in NYC till I was in my mid 20s. Moved to the woods, now I live in a small town. I love my life here. The woods are nearby and it's clean here. The working class are trapped in the city. There is no escape for them. I am in the working class in every way except money. I was able to escape.

[@ConniBiesalski]

re: minute 1:42 - it’s actually the sympathetic branch of the nervous system that is active when we’re in a stress response and not the parasympathetic branch (thats our rest and digest response and helps us calm down after a stressor)

[@andreanakayama6633]

was just about to make that note as well ;)

[@НаталиИзмаилова-ф2х]

Who cares😂

[@degnaw]

Most of the problems with cities are caused by *cars* (or building enough roads and parking to accommodate cars), not inherently by cities themselves: Noise, air pollution, lack of exercise, asphalt and concrete everywhere, lack of greenspace, being stressed about crossing the street, etc. We need to be advocating for more walkable, bikeable cities with more trees and greenspace instead of wide roads and parking lots! Dutch cities are a great example of how calm and peaceful cities can be when most of the cars are removed -- Not Just Bikes has great videos on this.

[@1016724]

Yes, yes, and yes!! Thank you for bringing up this point. I don’t think you can have this conversation without addressing the negative impacts of cars on our cities, and subsequently our health.

[@molly139]

This is exactly what I was thinking about! Also, if the whole world lived in the country side, the sprawl would have a negative affect on climate change!

[@p4inmaker]

Dutch cities are as awful as any other. Cars or no cars. Population density is what makes cities insufferable.

[@Kim-J312]

Yes and non stop crime crime crime . You watch it on your local news, thanking that it wasn't you. Then it happens to you again again , been attempted robbery x 3 , and I'm moving out of city ( Chicago) it's just getting worse and politicians just do not care

[@suzintru1]

I agree with everything said. Numerous psychologist have found that a family that goes camping together have less interpersonal relationship problems. Take the children AWAY from their cell phones, TV, and computers. Get them out hiking and enjoying the beauty of nature. Get their minds away from all the crap that goes on in the social media. Go for a drive and visit a camp ground. Listen to all the kids playing and grown ups laughing. A complete change of attitude then when they are in town. When I was younger (I'm now 71) I went on countless hikes, cross country skiing, back packing. and mountain climbing. I motorcycle camped , solo, across the US and Canada several times. There is nothing that technology has that can match the feelings you get when you reach the summit of Mt Hood, or watch the sunset while sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon. I'll be forever grateful to my dad for planting in my heart the seeds of wanderlust. Such a great vid Eva. Keep then coming.

[@angeldude101]

I remember back when I used to go camping. I think I spent most of my time with a book of puzzles to fill in. Without such a book, I got to play physical Solitaire! (wind doesn't exactly help with that though.) I'm pretty sure that even outside I preferred to do more solitary activities. There was also stick whittling. That was fun.

[@lauramc0788]

This is exactly how I feel. I lived in a city, a small city in Ireland, so I'm lucky to have the sea ony doorstep and mountains a 40 minute drive. Despite this, and being an outdoor girl from a rural background, I have not felt well or content or at peace with life. I've left my job for a year and have taken on the most challenging thing I've ever done - I am cycling the Mediterranean in Europe from Girona to Athens. Currently in Croatia. I have never felt so alive. The freedom, the strength of my body, my mind is incredible. I have found such peace, even the most difficult moments. I cannot wait to read these books now.

[@stephenlaws1836]

I completely agree. I spent the biggest part of my life in London , with my own businesses, apart from holidays I very rarely left town . Then I bought a motorhome for my motor racing interests , over time when not motor racing I'd start to go away around the UK , at weekends rather than going out socialising with friends & loved it . As time went on , I sold my businesses & moved to a touristy part of Spain , it took a little while to realise that I was finished while built up areas , so I sold the house & bar , built my own camper van & went around the Mediterranean coast , living in my van . Almost 20 years on , I still love it & avoid towns & cities as much as possible. I use an old 30 year old bike to pedal around the local villages & supermarkets etc , & don't really have a care in the world. I've believed for a long time , that the lack of hassle & stress brought about by big city living , makes me feel much , much healthier, along with riding the bike .

[@タクリス]

I think for me, mixture of both is important...when i spent time too much in nature, i miss the beauty of the city 🌆 😅 balance is the key to a happy stable life.

[@catarinamenezes5017]

I feel this so much. I was born and raised in Lisbon (capital of Portugal) and I remember loving it. Then, 4 years ago I moved to the countryside and OH MY GOD, the quality of life that I got is actually insane. Like, I get to hike every single day with my dogs in forests and lakes, I live 15 mins away from my workplace (by car) and living doesn't cost a fortune anymore! How is living in the countryside not "valuable" ? How is it possible that a tiny appartment in a city costs like 5 times over than a house with a garden? I don't understand how this works honestly, I'm just lucky I found out soon rather then later since my mental health was going really bad back then.

[@CordeliaWagner]

That's how capitalism works. Didn't you have basic economics in school?

[@eliciakristine]

Hi Eva, I totally relate and agree with everything you explain here. We just moved to France in the city center of Lyon. I realized very quickly that we weren’t going to last long in the city and so we picked up everything and started over in a tiny village after only 3 months of living in the city. It was an incredibly expensive decision since we had just settled in our downtown city apartment… And after a month of living in this tiny village I can say that it was worth every penny. ❤

[@richarddennis4785]

Grew up in country. Have lived in small towns, suburbs, wilderness, country and cities. Whenever I’ve been more remote and get back around urban areas, I feel anxious, depressed and uneasy. Things move too fast, it’s too crowded, it’s unsightly, there’s just too much of everything and I really feel the weight of humanity and modern civilization. But while I yearn for nature and being more remote, it greatly limits my ability to support myself….

[@IntoTheTrees_13]

All the crowds of people, the never ending concrete, constant sounds of construction, cars and strangers voices from a distance, people living on top of each other, rows and rows of cookie cutter houses built right next to each other was so stressful for me, that I had to be on anti-depressants. Seems like I spent most my life just sitting in traffic or looking for a parking spot.

[@karinbrittain554]

I love living in cities and smartly designed densely populated area with amenities in walking/biking/ public transit distance are the way to go for the future. Keep the wild natural areas undeveloped!

[@justme-dm7sb]

I feel like the most fortunate person to have grown up in the forest riding horses, and later in life dirt bikes. I invite people all the time to enjoy my forest but my experience is most of them can't stand to be away from what they are used to for more than about 2 hours. There is no store around the corner and they feel lost. They are anxious and never bring a jacket or even wear closed toed shoes. Happy trails Eva. Cool to see you are still on the living land. It is so very soul healing in these forests.

[@angeldude101]

No comments about discomfort from the bouncy ride? I haven't been on a horse ride in a very long time, but the most memorable part about it was a sore butt. Granted I also can get motion sick and even riding in a normal car can be uncomfortable for me nowadays, so maybe it's just me.

[@izzysavege5227]

Hello Eva! Thanks so much for talking about this incredibly important topic! I'm an Ecotherapist, and I'm starting to understand the benefits of developing a reciprocal relationship with the outdoors. The more we connect with the outdoors, the more we connect with ourselves, the more we respect the environment the more respect ourselves, and so the process continues!

[@FloNFC]

Love the video! We use to live in central London and for the last 4 years we moved in a small village, we feel 100000% better here! NATURE IS THE ONLY WAY TO LIVE 🙌❤️

[@forrest_life23]

totally true... back in 2019 I was burned out after working in a medical office and went for a trip to Colombia. I deeply wanted to go to Amazonia. When I arrived in Leticia and went deep in the jungle for a 5 days trip, swam in the Rio Negro and had the best experience of my life. Feeling so much nature, wildness, green and the air surrounded was the best treatment for my depression. I was healed after these 5 days. Today I moved out the city and live closer to the mountains and forests. And go for an hour walk in the nature every day. A real life balance !

[@IntoTheTrees_13]

Living in nature is so fulfilling! When I lived in the city I was so miserable and had to be on anti-depressants because of all the concrete, living on top of other people and the never ending sounds of construction and human noises from a near distance. I'll never live in the city again. Now I live in a forest, surrounded by trees and constantly come across wildlife in my backyard.

[@tommynikon2283]

Eva- ONLY 1:30+ into the vlog and...I CAN TOTALLY RELATE!!!! I'm N. of the Space Needle, 4 blk. 42 years within Seattle, it's been various forms of urban warfare! And LEAVING it is....a different World/Existence via the "Outdoors". In this area...it's easy to escape- IF you CAN handle the traffic to get "there"!

[@Emmaajohnsonn]

This resonates with me so much. I have believed for a while now that nature is so vital to our wellbeing. This is the reason that when my partner and i were fortunate enough to be able to buy our own house we chose to buy in the countryside (Adelaide Hills) and we are sooo happy here it feels like a true breath of fresh air and peace coming home after work. We now spend most weekends gardening and these days are the most satisfying and happy days of the week :)

[@wherestheparty_]

I grew up in the countryside then lived in a city for 20 years, lastly in London for a 1,5 years and absolutely hated it. I got a craving during the pandemic to move back to the countryside for the sake of my mental health (depression for 15 years) and now live in the Alps for 3 months and it absolutely transformed my life for the better - I`ve never felt happier!

[@IntoTheTrees_13]

nature is the best anti-depressant.

[@nomadictrek]

Increasingly as I spend more time in nature and out of the cities the more anxious I become when I enter them, just as you do. You summarize the melody so well... “We need wilderness whether or not we ever set foot in it. We need a refuge even though we may never need to go there. I may never in my life get to Alaska, for example, but I am grateful that it’s there. We need the possibility of escape as surely as we need hope; without it the life of the cities would drive all men into crime or drugs or psychoanalysis.” Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire… I think he had it wrong. I think we do need to get out in it. Great vid!

[@sharayarutherford9292]

I grew up in NYC and I now live in a more rural area in the south and I absolutely hate it. Honestly I get out less here and I’ll be moving back to NYC as soon as I can. BUT I will say that I grew a love of hiking here and I’ll be bringing that with me, for sure, which will make my next time in NYC even more fulfilling. You can definitely live a fulfilling life in the city but you should take time to leave the city every now and then ESPECIALLY when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

[@seanlewis34]

I know just how you feel. I have lived and worked in cities, but 17 years ago I just chucked my whole life into the back of a Land Rover and moved to a smallish Scottish Island. My only regret is that I should have done it 20 years earlier. The city holds nothing for me now, I have fields, beaches, the ever changing sea and standing stones all within a few short miles. My happy place to see out the rest of my life.

[@christiandiemond9595]

Enjoy nature when you can, sometimes an accident or injury makes it very difficult to go exploring and we have to enjoy it vicariously through Eva and others.

[@annatomalik9958]

🤩 Same here! Green spaces, trees, forest make me feel so much better than a city.

[@dragasan]

Really great video, and although I recognize these studies as valid, it usually depends on the individual. For me, living in rural communities where the community speaks the same language as me, English, the difference in education, or the lack thereof, can have an isolating effect. I would say that in Eva's case, traveling the world and not knowing the language in every rural place would be mostly new and exciting. Personally, after 4 years, I needed to get out of the rural community I lived in just to break out of the depression into which I was falling.

[@nicolemccumber9112]

I live in the suburbs in the states. It’s a big city but also there are many parks and green spaces and lakes and beautiful nature. When I find myself stressed after a long work week I crave the quiet of nature and have a favorite trail I run on or go for long bike rides out of the suburbs! Some people don’t understand but I’m so glad I have found nature to be calming! So true! And I hope others can as well!

[@carolineindacityphx]

That was a nice surprise, seeing a post from Unplugged. ❤️ I admit I love living in the country however I love living in the city as well. Balance is key and I do like to go out to the parks or drive through a city park on the way to work and take in the beautiful views 😍 Thank you for a thought provoking piece, Eva. Have a good Sunday. And give Vilk a treat for me. 😘

[@myjeeprocks]

I haven't even finished watching this video and I can say that I agree with you 100%. I grew up in the country in the middle of a wooded area. I feel so energized when I'm camping. When I'm in a city, I feel drained and tired, which is why I camp on vacation and don't go to hotels as much. (Though some are nice). Your research is spot on. Get outside, go camping, and stay out of the city as much as possible.

[@wandachilinski]

Eva I loved this! I live in Buenos Aires Argentina, a big city. Recently I went to Chalten in Patagonia and it was amazing feeling the conextion with nature and how much needed it was. As you said it shoud not be some kind of luxury it is absolutely necesary

[@karolinamackiewicz514]

Soooo true! I live in Finland, in Helsinki but a pretty rural area. Peaceful, quiet. I hear more birds than cars. I’ve just spent three weeks in Belgrade and got mental and physical meltdown. Now back home, healing in nature.

[@karlaglover9693]

I live in a suburbs in Newberg, Oregon. I love Oregon there are small parks and beautiful beaches and forests. I am so grateful. Thank you for sharing. Please Stay Safe, Happy And Healthy. Have A Wonderful Day

[@kimjhpl1524]

Thank you for confirming that nature can be your tonic!

[@sroses23]

Thank you for another beautiful video with a thought provoking topic. Hopefully, I can get out of the city one day and be out more into nature and abroad.

[@andreabrown8389]

Yes, I agree but thanks to those that live in the city you are living the life that you want. Without cities you wouldn't have your drone, cámara, internet, your land Rover or even the income generated in Patreon and KZbin. So yes, you can promote nature but most families cannot even get the time nor money to have a walk around the park. Not trying to hate, just reflecting

[@UnpluggedEva]

That's what we are trying to change! It's really important for people to realise that access to spaces isn't always equal! We want to see more green spaces, tree lined streets, and easy opportunities for people to engage with nature on a daily basis. Access to natural environments shouldn't be a luxury, it should be the baseline we grow our urban areas from.

[@chrishiking8818]

Really like this video Eva , great memories of when I did Nepal for over 3 weeks walking in for days before climbing a mountain. But you really learn so much about yourself but also how lucky we are that there is a wonderful world out there

[@elicheale1782]

I have never been a home person, I love travelling and walking in the nature, especially since I started working in a Enginnering Consultancy Company 12 years ago, I just cannot deal with the stress without getting out to somewhere with no human traces. And we are seriously considering the possiblity of moving to the countryside since working from home is now possible and allowed.

[@rmetzger7368]

Great vid Eva! Not sure which of your channels I like best. Formerly from Miami, FL, choked out by too many people, I now reside in Port Angeles, WA, next to the Olympic mountains, the Strait of Juan D' Fuca, and the Hoh Rainforest. Soooo much more healthier here. Everyone needs nature!!! Keep up the great work you do. We all appreciate what you do. Take care.

[@robwasnj]

I LOVE the way you think and how you put these same thoughts I have into clear videos along with studies and statistics. Our souls NEED nature. Thanks for just being you and sharing with us.

[@SurLife]

Hi Eva… I totally agree with your aversion to city life … We developing humans need the balance of wilderness for our mental and physical health… Unfortunately we of earth are generating too many offspring… Already the Earth is overpopulated , the effects are the climate extremes that are endangering all life forms… Of course many will say the solution is to go green and ignore the ever increasing root cause of our demise in these coming years… We need to take the steps to keep families small .

[@紫のイマジネーター]

yep. but nobody wants to talk about this because people are ignorant

[@SimonaRich]

My story is somewhat similar. When I started working for myself and became location independent, I moved to India. Because the weather was almost always great there, I spent most of the time outdoors. From then on, I could not imagine living anywhere but in natural surroundings. So I purchased a farmhouse with quite a lot of land in my home country (Lithuania) too, and never would I want to change my peaceful lifestyle to that of the stressful and polluted city.

[@Alverya]

I'm born and bred in Singapore, our entire country is one giant city. A lot of greenery, but still a city. No suburbs or nature to go hide in. I need to go overseas on vacation to nature every few months, if not, i get more and more stressed, claustrophobic and depressed. Thankfully my job is mostly remote, so I've started spending a few months every year in another country. Last year, I stayed on a farm amongst nature in New Zealand and I was the most relaxed I've been in years. and the fresh food is incomparable!

[@BarbaraA.MertzRN-CCRN]

Actually... not necessarily. Amongst the ancient Egyptians, for example, who lived the diagnosed 'perfect' lifestyle of low cholesterol - high fiber diets and high physical activity with almost no cars or pollution lifestyle, they STILL died of cardiovascular disease and cancer. NO - there was no cigarette or pipe smoking amongst the ancient Egyptians. Much of my professional career has been attempting to figure out - WHY??!!

[@adamselene5957]

Agreed. An interesting field of study. Ancient Egyptians were not terribly long lived people either - though (as you state) they had what doctors today say is the ultimate lifestyle - low fat diets of mostly greens and low fat poultry and fish, no smoking, no cars or pollutants and had to walk everywhere. Their literature also does not reflect anything particularly enjoyable about their lifestyle and personal life choice decisions either. All valid points!

[@veronicanavarra]

I live in the Italian countryside between Tuscany, Umbria and Latium. And I couldn't be more lucky, every day I eat fresh vegetables, hand-made cheeses and all kinds of local products, but the more importantly I breathe clean air. Years ago I lived in Turin (near Milan, in the North of Italy), it was great because here almost everything is great, but life was completely different starting from the rumors. I think that with patience and determination, everybody is able to change the city for the countryside if they want. We are not condemned to live in big cities. Choose your path and go for it

[@bobbygotsch4909]

I’m a teacher in a small town in Indiana, about 90 minutes from Chicago. I go to the city nearly every weekend to see friends, play music, see shows, eat, and imbibe. I feel better there than the suburbs.

[@petergrimes2466]

Awesome new channel and i see you going from the 26.7k today to hundreds of thousands in the near future!! I for 1 moved from a big city to a small town for 10 years then to a lot smaller town for another 10 years and now i live out in the country/mountain area for the last 6 years and have been totally loving my life out here! i live about 7 miles from the nearest town and can get stuff i need easily from about 17 miles away and ONLY TRY TO GO 1 TIME A MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!I now hate city life as well as small town life and feel like you do Eva when i go back to a town/city. Love ya girl and both your channels and Zilk of course too (i have 6 dogs lol)

[@rebeccagower5216]

Well done! I feel validated .....thank you.

[@bocolewish]

I have always lived on or spent most of life on horse farms, working outside for hours a day and hiking or biking. I did spend too many hours in cubicles. At 65 I am happy to realize I am still pretty strong and have no longing for the city. My only hope is those just discovering life outside treat the earth with reference. A recent short hike at a close state park revealed pale and grimacing faces on an easy trail, so probably the pandemic use surge is waning, due to the uncomfortable foreignness of the outdoors for so many.

[@rachels.2610]

I absolutely agree, I live out in the country in East Texas between two small towns and I love it. Cities give me soo much anxiety, the fast pace lifestyle isn’t for me. I love the quiet and simplicity that I have out here, I can walk outside and hear the birds singing and enjoy the sunshine and my soul sings and I feel rejuvenated and at peace. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. 😁🥰

[@Erintii]

My story is different. I was and are a city girl. Life was hard sometimes, struggled with this and that but managed in overall. Last year I accepted the job outside major cities and moved to a small town. Soon it turned out to be the worst decision of my life. All my problems I got before doubled at least. My depression, anxiety and all problems become worse. Never cheerful become bitter and miserable. Looking for a new job closer to major city as for me countryside and small towns are poisonous. I learned to appreciate what I took for granted in a city: endless opportunities of networking, socializing, experiencing culture. This was keeping me in some kind of shape. I need to be in a community and socialize after work. Cannot live outside the society only looking outside a window. Family is telling me to leave the place as this is killing me. Those who know better are terrified by my mental health state as I said few times living here makes me envy my parents who are dead as I want to be with them. I am visiting psychiatrist in a city and he is telling me to leave this place ASAP as my mental health is deteriorating. My physical as well due to constant stress and anxiety. My suggestion before moving from a city: spend one week or two without talking to people, without any human contact and see if you like it. Maybe this lifestyle is for you. Maybe you are introvert and walking or running in a forest with a dog is a dream come true. And if you it will save a lot of stress and anxiety. For some people moving to a countryside or small town is like drinking a fresh water from a well. For me this is drinking a poisoning well.

[@richardksimpson800]

You really have some great content Eva. The production value and quality of writing is fantastic. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@chuckvt5196]

I find astronomy nights, staring at the universe to be a great way to refresh and refocus your mind and see you relationship to nature and the universe more clearly.

[@ron95754]

LOVE...ABSOLUTELY LOVE this production. Your honesty and study of the actual truth is so heart warming. Thank You.

[@kerrywilliams3753]

You are barefoot! I'm 69 and had to start wearing shoes all the time outdoors when I was 64. I, from a family that settled on the edge of the Pacific Northwest wilderness and my small suburban city backyard is a jungle. And adventures in the mountains is a family tradition. Thank you for the encouragement!

[@m.e.3614]

Please keep in mind that the more people go into nature, the more like a city nature becomes. I agree with so much of what you say. Unfortunately, many people who are taking to nature these days are ruining it with their littering, noise pollution like loud music or vehicles, and just all around bad manners. I cannot count how many times I have gone out to explore and bond with nature, only to have the entire experience ruined by loud music, jet skis, loud boats racing through waters, loud vehicles, garbage, noisy people, etc. How is anyone expected to gain the benefits of nature when people are brining the "city" into nature? I am all for encouraging people to spend time in nature, but please do place a heavy emphasis on teaching them to be respectful if they are going to go there. If they go there and destroy the peace with their noise, the land with their trash, and the beauty with their obnoxiousness, what will be left for people like you who want to appreciate it for what it is?

[@UnpluggedEva]

We completely agree and stewardship of nature / over tourism is another video we could perhaps write later on. One of the key messages we want people to take away from this video is that they don't need to go somewhere remote or rural to experience these benefits. They can literally take a walk through the park on their way to work every day in the city and still receive these benefits.

[@m.e.3614]

@@UnpluggedEva Completely agree, and thank you for the video. It was very well done! Look forward to more.

[@XLL-LyricaLance]

Those bangs 😍 you rock Eva I have been watching all your videos, you bring happiness to my life, seeing you out there enjoying real life and so positively...

[@angeldude101]

I have to ask about midway between urban and rural, which is suburban. And I'm not talking about massive plains with regularly spaced houses with nothing but grass in between them. I'm talking of the kind of suburbia where you can look down the street and see mostly trees with houses peeking out between them. The perfect middleground if you ask me. Close enough to other people to not feel isolated, while also not being a sardine. Ultimately though, I basically have to force myself to go outside, or even get up from my chair, since pretty much everything I tend to care about in the short term is on my computer except for maybe my math notebook. longer term, I'm not certain how much mental health would help since the dreams I tend to have are _way_ to large scale for a single person regardless of mental health, while also having 0 confidence in others or my communication skills to actually convince people. I'm talking "completely reboot humanity" scales of dreams. Anything on the scale of a single person feels insignificant next to all of the problems in the world.

[@UnpluggedEva]

There are lots of cities around the world that either prioritise green spaces, or do a relatively good job of providing green spaces for people. We're on the right track, however, affluent suburbs are more likely to offer 'lusher' tree lined streets and well-kept parks for residents. We should be prioritising spaces for all.

[@rowaystarco]

@@UnpluggedEva My city has green spaces all over the place, and proper forest/nature available with subway rides. And also islands with short ferry rides. There is also increasing restrictions when it comes to pollution/emissions. Quite high publict transport usage, with buses soon to be all electric. A fossil fuel ban for private cars might happen in a few years too. And bike infrastructure is at least improving. A great combo with city, fjord and forest nearby.

[@khazana24]

@@rowaystarco what city is this? sounds nice

[@rowaystarco]

@@khazana24 Oslo, Thinking about it I guess Eva has knowledge of Oslo already. It's by no means a perfect city or anything, but the access to nature is pretty damn great. Taking the subway to Sognsvann or Frongerseteren is very popular. Hiking, bathing during summer, skiing during winter. There's also in general a lot of park areas all over over the city. And the ferries out to the islands is also very popular during summer. The ferries are also integrated in the regular public transport system. Edit: Also, while it's not "nature/forest", the city has also done a lot of work to make the fjord available in the city. Former highways and docks being changed into living spaces with plenty of room for sunbathing, swiming and even floating saunas.

[@skarletkprime]

Awesome awesome video! I grew up in a city, busy as it gets, very few green spaces, famous for its oil refineries... Even though it was my home and I liked it, it often became a ''chore'', and I felt like I needed to escape and be in nature for a while at least, so as not to lose my mind. So, during my holidays time, when I was able to get out of there and visit my family, either in a small town in the hills about 70km away, surrounded by nature and beautiful salt lakes and rock formations, or in a city in the middle of the mountains (while it was a big city, it had nature & green all over, and we went for walks and hikes on the trails almost daily, also getting water from the nearby natural springs), about 110km away, it was then and in those places that I could disconnect and relax, truly enjoy life and fill up my batteries. Oh, and if opportunity came and I was able to go visit new places in nature, my grin rounded my face from ear to ear. :D Basically, my mind and body were just telling me that I needed nature, and I was happy to comply as often as I could. Nowadays, I live in a small town, and it has the advantages of both worlds: if I want the urban life, the closest city is 6km away; if I want to be in nature, the closest rivers, beaches and sea are literally minutes walking; and, if I want even more green, even the bus can take me to a place like that in under an hour. It really is a blessing for one's soul to be able to escape and be in nature. No matter how much one loves city life, the nature always calls us, and we should be eager to go see it. :)

[@lalonagirl9291]

I love hearing about your life philosophy. It's refreshing and brings me down to earth

[@PhilWhitney]

Very good info Eva...A nicely done modest small open floor plan (with a lot of outdoor living space of course lol) minimal home base to work from and recharge during a lifestyle of traveling is preferred and most healthy! You have the right mindset/spirit...

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Eva , I think you're on the right track when it comes to the pitfalls of living and working in the city. For example, the future of work will change as the result of covid. Long hours of commuting and working in the city make for an anxious environment that nobody wants to go back to. The future of living and work is a hybrid or variety of options that work for the individual. That gives us the time to reconnect with the wild and with our mental state of health. And don't forget that socialization is also very important to a human's mental state of health. Striking a balance is something that we should all try to achieve. Eva, this is a great story to tell and revisit. Be Well. Stay Healthy. 🙏🙏🙏 Jim, Harriet and Yuki. Richmond, Va.

[@scottsladeadventures1102]

Ok, I subscribed and started following when you arrived in Mexico. The new twist on travel etc caught my attention. I felt there was more to you, a philosophical side.. and here it is.. Well done, very impressed.

[@stuartbagedonow9770]

Eva living in the wilds is a state of mind it’s not where you live,, I’ve always noticed that living in more rural areas the pressure to conform to be like everybody around you is always there, personally I’d much rather live in a city where being who ever you are fundamentally is celebrated. Stay safe Stu

[@hanneymay8888]

I just moved to Australia’s capital - nope not Sydney or Melbourne - the Capital is actually Canberra! Canberra was designed from scratch to be a city of the future. They made it mandatory for a national park green space to be between each suburb for example! We have a tree museum conversation area as a tourist attraction even! A man made lake! Look it up… I’m so proud of the capital but people make jokes that it is the forgotten capital because Sydney looks like a relatable capital. Canberra is what all cities should have been.

[@marywhite1427]

Definitely feel this. Lived in suburban sprawl most of my life. Now in the woods outside of a very small town. So much more at peace. Fear unable to handle the upkeep as I age though.

[@chrissamavs7124]

I hear you, I leaved in a city all my life, it’s been 4 years now and I’m living up in the mountains in the beautiful laurentians of Quebec, when I’m in the city for a few hrs I can feel my heart rate going up, best thing I ever did is move up here.

[@Alhemdi]

Thanks, Eva, for this video. 🏕🌲 I can totally relate to escaping the city and heading to the mountains, camping, and enjoying the outdoors in nature. It truly recharges me 🏕 The more time I spend outdoors, the more uncomfortable I feel being indoors. As you mentioned, our species used to spend more time in nature compared to modern humans who primarily live in cities.

[@myjeeprocks]

O by the way, I also lived in a log cabin growing up, built in 1865. We had indoor plumbing but our water came from wells on the property. I spent my days as a kid running through the woods and creeks exploring. My advise, stay wild Eva. It's the best way to go.

[@jimblair1927]

This is fantastic. Keep making these.

[@marna_li]

I walk around in the city and see people enclosing themselves in their own bubbles, earphones on and listening music. It is like they are walking synchronised with the noise from origin and destination. Taking chances in traffic. It is so automatic. And social interaction with strangers is very uncommon. All these sensory noises makes us long into our homes where there is less constant distraction. I used to be stressed about life, having music in my ears, but longing to live in now and take in all the sensory inputs. But then it changed. Now I cannot wear any music, I find it distracting from reality. I'm happy that I live at the edge of the city so the countryside is close if you need a peaceful walk.

[@CasperLabuschagne]

The biggest gift in my life was that I grew up on the outskirts of a town where the African veld was my daily playground and the creatures I encountered there whether reptiles, birds or mammals were the friends I played with..After school we could not wait get our shoes off and be gone into the wild until sunset.

[@christinroos9029]

This describes my experience to a T! I have always been a city girl and three years ago I could have never imagined leaving the city. But in the last two years I feel constantely hyperaroused and stressed by my surroundings, even inside my apartement and I am completely overwhelmed with all the noises and movements as soon as I go outside. Would have never thought I would want to move to the countryside! Feels scary to have such a complete change of minds.

[@Patriciaylunart]

I am totally agree with you but right now, we don't live longer, we aren't wealthier and things aren´t convenient than before. Indistrualization makes people sick. Processed food is terrible for health. As are, for example, the thousands of products sold for hygiene. And so on. We don’t just need to walk in nature or in the forest. We need to eat better, put limits on technology. etc. We need to take real control of our own health. Pharmaceutical products do not help. They only disguise symptoms. We need to understand that we can be well and live a lot based on our own effort and care. Living in the country really is much better in every way. And as you said, I hope people will gradually become more self-sufficient and seek better resources in nature itself and understand that there is everything we need. Thank you Eva.

[@warrenherd9094]

Your subject selections and presentations are fantastic,! ❤😊. Say hi to Vilk!!

[@Offiedamn]

I think all depends on a person. I live in a city for 34y, and i find it really useful and helpful. When I go to the nature i respect it in 300%, i love this time, but i could not live like that. For living we need money, i think it's obvious, and money is easier to find in a "cities". City is industry, industry is everything what u use during our natural live..

[@jph290]

We ended up building in 2017 in the US when the cost to build was the same as to buy a 30 year old home. We ended up building in a rual area in a development. This was a nice trade off as the houses are close enough that there are plenty of kids for my kids to play but we are removed from the stress of the city. Our development was built in a completely wooded area and many of the plots have 3 acres of which most is wooded. It is nice to be able to look outside and see nature! I work from home now and my office has a view of neighborhood and the trees. It is so much better than working in an office in the city.

[@leebeedav]

I have the best of both worlds! I live in an Ecovillage in Portland, OR. I'm surrounded by gardens and fruit trees and even compost my own humanure. Every city I've lived in including NYC and Seattle had amazing parks and access to green spaces big and small. At the end of the day, it is up to us to GET OUTSIDE and seek out these experiences!

[@javierhernandez-fg5ec]

Hi Eva! im definitely going to watch this new channel of yours too.Keep up the good work!!!!

[@odetocycling]

Very thoughtful and interesting. Access to nature and natural environments is increasingly a luxury many cannot afford. But for those who can access it there are undoubtable benefits. Thankfully Covid enabled more people to re-evaluate their lives and to be able to work remotely freeing them from the drudgery of commuting to offices along fume-filled highways, and move away from cities to more rural areas.

[@IntoTheTrees_13]

Rural is the way to go! All that nature and wildlife is incredibly invigorating. As someone who used to be a "city dweller", I was on anti-depressants & constantly behind a screen to cope with all the stressors of the concrete jungle.

[@rdmineer1]

When I was a small kid, in the 60s and 70s, if you lived out of town you were looked down upon even if your family owned property, which mine never did. Now everyone is out here, building huge houses and more fences. It's the new social status. The problem in and out of the cities is too many people validate their existence by what they possess. Bigger house and yard, better mower, bigger and newer truck, yes often empty, camper and boat often idle. They don't realize how much their THINGS actually own them. It's all driven by vanity and status, and marketing. They are only existing by someone else's standards. You, Eva, are reminding us how little we actually need, not only to survive but thrive, and actually live by our own rules and the simpler laws of nature. Thank you.

[@YeowooBBCVIP]

I agree, though the issue of pollution unfortunately extends to nature today... In France, some agricultural regions are more polluted than some cities due to pesticides... Anyways, I completely agree about spending more time outside. I walk 2hrs a day for my dog and it has changed everything for me. I'm more grounded, in better health and happier!

[@charleslefeuvre5267]

I love to walk my dog early morning and in the evening , a short drive to the beach most mornings at 6 am is amazing and he loves chasing his tennis ball and chasing the birds .

[@GunnarCreutz]

Nowadays I live alone in an old timber house in rural Sweden. I have 100 meters to a beautiful nature reserve and 750 meters to the food store. I have no car, but it's just 600 meters to the train station and the bus stop. If I spend 60 minutes on the train I will reach Sweden's second biggest city with nice museums and bookstores, but sadly there is also alot of busy people. Sometimes I feel like I would like to move even further into the forest and turn into a mossgrown rock.

[@lambotama]

I'm watching this video bc there wasn't one on your other channel this week, and my week just doesn't feel complete without an Eva update

[@davidcamp3598]

Eva, this is the most meaningful video you have posted. Keep it up.

[@tomanicodin]

Many things you mention here are debatable. But I will focus on one: cancer & heart disease. Maybe it's true that in the past we didn't had it and it's caused by urban lifestyle but it's also possible that it wasn't diagnosed before because we didn't had the science to know what happened when the person felt ill. Maybe people died from cancer and heart disease without knowing that was the cause of death.

[@bobvorwald9737]

I so look forward to unplugged

[@Aliaselias727]

You are such a blessing to the world, Eva! 🥰

[@johannakuster1564]

I live in a small village in a expensive and kind of crowded touristic area near the alps.I love those mountains but it is not easy to find quiet spots. The best time in my life was a canoe tour in sweden where I saw nowbody a whole week besides my wife, and we traveled around another 3 weeks there in our minicamper. To know that there is only nature around me, no light, no artificial sounds, is precious beyond words. Sometimes I wish to be an eremite for a year or so. But there is my wonderful family (wife and horse), I would never leave them. Without them, I probably would start a vanlife. So I dream if a remote place for us with lots of nature and space around and a simple and natural life. I feel trapped in the system a lot. I am working on getting inner freedom.

[@rumi2474]

I definitely recommend y'all to read the book called "Sapiens".

[@henrymerritt6703]

yes

[@souieappe]

You are so right, I've been a country boy all my life, spent very few nights in cities! Farming, ranching, I have skinned some bucks! There is an Appalachian Trail in the eastern United States and the Pacific Coast Trail in the west, both thousands of miles long!

[@vonheise]

You don't have to go back a thousand years to find rural areas dominating, 150 years ago, when the industrial age began, most lived on farms or in the country... We have always lived outside, but near cities, depending on what you call a city. I grew up in a small town of 30k people. We have traveled and camped in campgrounds and boondocked most of our 35 years of married life. Of the places we have visited outside of every state in the USA, we liked Australia, Ireland, Panama, Germany and Alaska the most.

[@marishkah8776]

Excellent video thanks Eva

[@giochacon8354]

I live in Costa Rica... And even here not so many locals take time to go into nature even thought its just maybe 40min min or less than an hour away, I agree... it´s because of daily habits, rooted in education. Thx for the video Eva

[@foreverirish132]

My eyes always go to the nearest window ❤️

[@UnpluggedEva]

Yes! thank you for sharing!

[@mafalda7647]

I’m currently a college student and it’s definitely not easy and it takes a lot of my time. Although I’m studying something I really enjoy, I would like to at least have the weekends to myself since I really enjoy going on hikes and being in nature. But it’s not possible with the amount of work I have to do every day. It’s funny cause what opened my mind to all of this “nature seeking” was also a hiking trip, in my case a 5 day trip into Spanish mountains

[@Mysteriuminiquitatis1998]

Yeah, I feel like people spend too much of their life at work. Don’t get me wrong, work is important but people work to much and so much precious time is wasted spending hours at sometimes what can be low paying dead end jobs for some. Hopefully you’re studying in a field that will grant you flexibility and ability to have free time to do the things you love

[@RinconPilot]

I could not imagine living in the city again. Of course the trips to remote parts of the western US are always a welcome replenishing of the soul.