This city moves fast — and when I first moved, I felt like I was always playing catch-up. But a few small habits made everything feel less overwhelming (and more romantic). So here are some things I started doing that genuinely helped: – Planning my day the night before NYC mornings hit different when you already know your plan. I do it in Notes or Notion — just a quick list so I don’t spiral the second I wake up. – Eating real meals, not just grabbing bites between subway stops The city will convince you that coffee + vibes = breakfast, but having actual meals made me feel way more stable. Grocery runs on Sundays = lifesaver. – Leaving the apartment even when I didn’t feel like it Sometimes just sitting in a café or public library shifts everything. Getting out = getting in the zone. And yes, even that $4 coffee is worth the mental reset. – Giving up on being ‘aesthetic’ 24/7 NYC is not Pinterest. Some days I’m cute, other days I’m in leggings and headphones and that’s just the season I’m in. Show up anyway. – Keeping one night a week completely plan-free New York will take every hour if you let it. But saving one night — no plans, no noise — helped me feel grounded and like I actually live here, not just survive. This city can be chaos. But your habits? That’s your anchor. #movingtoNYC #NYClife #nycadvice #NYCtips #romanticizeyourlife #nycinyour20s #newyorkgirl #softgirlcitylife