A Move to New York Is Just What Lindsay Lohan Needs

1. Choose location wisely -- Lindsay's had some trouble with overspending and managing her finances in the past. I recommend a nice rental somewhere on Manhattan's Upper East Side. There's no need to rush into anything yet and buy a place. The Upper East Side was once upon a time the posh Manhattan niche for socialites, but now it's more of a calmer, uptown Mecca for families and young professionals. But Lindsay needs a safe, quiet place to live, not a stomping ground for late night binges and partying. Most of New York's hip clubs and bars are down in the Meatpacking District and on the west side. It will help in Lindsay's quest to stay sober for her major temptations to be a cab ride away and not literally next-door. Regardless of where she sets up camp, it's comforting to know that like most New Yorkers, she won't need to drive anywhere herself.

2. Join a gym -- Obviously I don't say this to imply Lindsay needs to lose an ounce of weight. If anything, I think she needs to get back eating healthily and building muscle. But regularly working out not only sends endorphins surging through your system, but it provides routine and stability, which Lindsay absolutely needs. I personally recommend a global membership to Equinox Fitness Clubs. With this, Lindsay can work out all over town. An abundance of stars already use the gyms, so Lindsay in a sports bra won't be any grand spectacle for the club's patrons. And for a physical and spiritual boost, Lindsay need only enroll in any one of Darryl Gaines' extraordinary spinning classes at the club. Darryl's unconventional, enthusiastic approach to teaching inspires and uplifts his students, something Lindsay will most definitely benefit from. A Sunday morning class with Darryl in Soho has better music and more attractive people than you'll find Saturday night at any hot NYC club.

3. Try and make some good friends -- I clarify this piece of advice with "try." New York has a tough reputation for a reason, and unfortunately it's not as easy Carrie Bradshaw makes it look to assemble your own Sex and the City clique. I'm sure being famous, and especially a tabloid-topic like Lindsay, you have to be infinitely more cautious accepting anyone new into your life. But Lindsay desperately needs some friends who will be there for her and support her as she gets back on her feet. Her relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson seemed, for the most part, to be a positive influence on her life. I hope that Samantha, who grew up in New York, can introduce Lindsay to a network of legitimate people with whom she can learn to have real relationships. Or, another solid way to meet new people is through work.

4. Get back to work -- For good or bad, right now, people are fascinated by Lindsay Lohan. And while the world might be eagerly waiting for the starlet to crash and burn, all eyes are upon her. After she wraps the filming of Inferno: A Linda Lovelace story, Lindsay should try and keep busy. Whether it's an acting gig or working on her leggings line or self-tanner, Lindsay will find a renewed sense of self-worth and fulfillment when her focus is on propelling her career. And while Lindsay's in New York, she might as well give back. Maybe this means volunteering in the city with youth dealing with substance abuse in their families, or maybe it's serving as a mentor to underprivileged kids interested in the arts. Getting involved with local philanthropies, like New Yorkers for Children or the New York Foundation for the Arts, will be therapeutic for Lindsay and also do wonders for her public persona.

5. Keep getting help -- It takes a strong person to admit they need help. Lindsay clearly has struggled with a multitude of issues. The rehab-stint might have been a quick fix, but to keep sober and sane, she absolutely needs continued counseling. New York is home to some of the top mental health specialists and substance abuse counselors in the world, and Lindsay is so fortunate to have the financial means to afford them. Being back on the East coast and having closer access to her mom and family should also be a positive step for Lindsay in her road to recovery.

Now, people of the Internet, let's all send Lindsay Lohan well wishes and positive vibes. We've all had personal demons to fight, but fortunately most of us face these battles behind closed doors.

And Lindsay, no matter what, I got your back, girl.

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