No matter how much you move, you still take yourself with you.
I couldn’t think of a more fitting sentence to start this week’s blog. If you’ve ever embarked on a journey to a new place, you’re likely familiar with the strange mix of excitement and stress it brings.
How to Reduce Stress When Moving
Moving is like turning the page to a new chapter in the book of your life. It’s full of fresh opportunities, challenges, and growth potential.
Yet, along with these prospects comes the all-too-familiar sensation that can be pretty stressful, even when it’s what we now call positive stress.
How do we navigate these challenges and maximize the advantages of a fresh start? Keep reading to find out more!
Understanding the Stress of Moving
If we want to resolve something and help ourselves, we must first understand it. That’s why focusing on the primary stress triggers during relocation is crucial.
Moving stress can be a real game changer. Feeling overwhelmed by the moving experience is entirely understandable. We all live stressful lives to some extent, but the good thing is that we can learn how to cope with it, especially in significant life situations, and relocating is one of them.
So, the big question is, how do you make moving less stressful? How to lower anxiety? These are indeed complex questions. Hopefully, you will find some answers in the following text!
8 Tips to Manage the Stress of Moving
The emotional stress of moving can leave anyone feeling tired and drained, especially if you don’t take the necessary steps beforehand to prevent it from happening. We’ve outlined specific and practical steps to reduce and manage stress during moving.
Tip #1 - Breathe
This tip may sound unusual, but practicing deep and mindful breathing is vital in calming stress and tension. It sounds simple, yet it’s incredibly effective. When planning a move, your mind becomes a whirlwind of questions. These questions can stir up anxiety, making you worry about whether everything will go smoothly with your belongings and the entire process.
Then, as if that weren’t enough, you remember all the paperwork you have to fill out for the move, and suddenly, you’re caught in a tangle of anxiety. That’s why it’s essential to take a moment to breathe deeply. Count to four as you inhale deeply, and then another four as you exhale slowly. Release all the stress that’s been weighing you down with a sigh. Repeat this until you feel better and more confident in yourself.
Tip #2 - Listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, or stand-up comedies
In many similar articles, you’ll find that listening to music while packing and labeling boxes can have a calming effect and reduce stress. But why limit yourself to music? Play your favorite stand-up comedian or listen to an audiobook while sorting, packing, and labeling boxes with the items you plan to take to your new address.
This advice can help you clear your mind and focus on something enjoyable while simultaneously tackling tasks that can be tedious, such as sorting and organizing items. You can make those moments more enjoyable, and time will pass quickly this way.
Tip #3 - Turn to your trusted friends
Have you ever heard the saying, everything is better with company? Well, it rings true in this situation. Packing up while listening to your favorite stand-up comedy is way more fun with a buddy. Everything’s more manageable with the right friend by your side. So, why not call your pal and ask for a hand? The moving process will fly by, and you’ll have a blast completing it.
You can even pre-organize tasks ahead of time. For instance, you could have your friend sort out the winter wardrobe while you focus on the summer one. Or they could tackle packing up bathroom items while you handle the kitchen. And if there are more of you, even better! Let’s make it sound great!
Tip #4 - Leave five envelopes with your details and new address
At first, this suggestion may appear trivial, but I assure you, it’s invaluable and will provide significant assistance. Leave five envelopes with your name, surname, new address, and stamped postage so the new tenants can forward any mail that accidentally arrives at the old address.
Tip #5 - Label your boxes
Labeling boxes is a step you can’t skip if you want your move to go smoothly. It’s crucial for both packing and unpacking in your new home. Knowing what’s in each box makes everything easier.
Also, setting aside a box just for fragile items is smart. Pack them carefully, using packing paper and cushioning them well with towels or crumpled paper for extra protection. It’s best to follow a packing system called room by room. As the name suggests, each box should be labeled according to the room it belongs to.
Tip #6 - Stretch and exercise
A healthy mind resides in a healthy body, and vice versa. We can’t separate the mind from the body. Many roots of anxiety and stress are linked to what we physically feel. The connection is complex and mutual. Therefore, it’s essential to set aside time for exercise and care for your body in situations that bring you stress like this one.
- Massage your feet with a golf ball – It may sound silly, but it’s so effective. Your stress levels will drop significantly. Foot pain and discomfort are common challenges many face, often stemming from prolonged periods of standing or sitting, which are often associated with tasks like packing and moving.
- Do some stretches – Stretching helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and increase blood flow to your muscles, preventing injuries and promoting better overall mobility and comfort. You can also tilt your head to one side, holding for a few seconds, then switch to the other. This helps to release tension in your neck and upper back.
- Use a stress ball – Squeezing a stress ball while moving can help alleviate tension and stress in your hands and fingers caused by repetitive motions such as lifting boxes or carrying heavy items. It provides a quick and convenient way to release built-up tension and promote relaxation during the moving process.
- Roll your shoulders – Roll your shoulders forward and backward in a circular motion to relieve tension in your shoulders and upper back. Research has shown that this simple exercise can alleviate stress levels and help you relax your body.
Tip #7 - Say goodbye to your loved ones
This is yet another crucial aspect that will significantly influence your emotions and mental state during the move. We all know how difficult it can be to bid farewell to loved ones, even if it’s just temporary.
However, if you don’t handle it correctly, you’ll probably worry about it, and your stress levels will rise. So, talk to your family and friends, say your goodbyes, and cherish moments together. Embrace the excitement of the new and beautiful things awaiting you.
Tip #8 - Have your pet nearby
Numerous studies have shown that animals keep us healthier and happier. However, animals, like humans, can feel stressed after the move. When animals, particularly pets like cats, experience stress, it can significantly impact their behavior and health. Moving to a new environment is a common stressor for cats, as it disrupts their familiar surroundings and routines.
To help a stressed cat after moving, it’s essential to understand why they’re feeling anxious and implement strategies to alleviate their stress. Firstly, creating a safe and comfortable space for your pet is vital. This includes providing familiar items such as their bed, toys, and scratching posts in the new environment. These familiar objects can offer security and help the cat adjust more quickly.
After that, you and your pet will feel safer and happier in your new place!
Stress-Alleviating Foods to Keep You Energized During Your Move
When relocating, it’s essential to maintain a balanced diet to support your body and manage stress levels. Here are some foods known to alleviate stress:
- Berries – Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce stress and inflammation.
- Leafy greens – Vegetables such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are high in magnesium, which can help regulate cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
- Oats – Oats are a complex carbohydrate that can help stabilize blood sugar levels and boost serotonin production, promoting a sense of calmness.
- Nuts and seeds – Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are packed with nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and omega-3, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and flavonoids that can improve mood and reduce stress levels when consumed in moderation.
- Avocados – Avocados are rich in potassium and healthy fats, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
- Greek yogurt – Greek yogurt is high in protein and probiotics, which can support gut health and improve mood regulation.
- Honey – Honey contains natural sugars and has numerous beneficial effects, so a spoonful can soothe your senses and encourage you to slow down a bit.
- Green Tea – Green tea offers numerous stress-reduction benefits thanks to its calming properties and high antioxidants.
Why Is Moving Stressful?
Relocating can be stressful as it signifies a profound life shift. It frequently involves departing from familiar routines and beloved individuals. Even positive changes, however welcome, can instill apprehension in people, and moving embodies precisely such a significant transition.
Moving can be quite the ordeal, which is when Sunbeam Movers step into the scene. It’s a whirlwind of packing, planning, and navigating the unknown. The sheer magnitude of tasks and the emotional toll of bidding farewell to familiar surroundings can leave even the most poised individuals feeling a tad frazzled.
Still, with the right help, tools, and honest professionals, everything is more manageable, and you can say goodbye to moving stress forever! All you need to do is contact us and get your free quote in a matter of seconds!
