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Moving to a new home can be stressful. With so many things to do, the whole experience can be physically exhausting and emotionally draining. When all the stress becomes too much for you, your mental, emotional, and physical health will suffer.
To avoid experiencing a meltdown during your move and to maintain your sanity, here are some important tips you should follow:
1. Prepare well for the move
You can avoid a lot of stress and additional time-consuming work that comes with relocating when you do your best to prepare for the whole process.
Start by:
- Making a detailed to-do list and consulting this checklist regularly.
- Creating a timetable for all the work you have to do in preparation for the move.
- Preparing all the things you need for packing (boxes, storage containers, packing tape, bubble wrap, etc.).
- Working with interstate removalists in Australia if you are living in the Land Down Under. Get in touch with local removalists if you live in another country. You will avoid all the hard work that comes with packing and lugging around your personal belongings when you hire these experts.
2. Find time to de-stress
Planning and organizing your move will help you avoid the ill effects of stress. However, it doesn’t mean that you won’t feel anxious and sad before, during, and after the move, even if you prepare properly for it.
You will feel better throughout the relocation period and after it, by finding time to de-stress. Some effective ways of de-stressing include:
- Deep breathing
Many studies show that practicing deep breathing frequently offers a variety of health benefits which include lower stress levels, reduced blood pressure, and improved muscle relaxation. One simple way of practicing deep breathing is inhaling deeply through the nostrils and out through the mouth.
- Meditation
You don’t have to join a yoga class (although this can also be helpful) to experience the benefits of meditation, which include lower stress and anxiety levels, and lower blood pressure. Simply find a quiet place, sit or lie down, empty your mind, breathe naturally, and focus on your breathing. You will feel better and more energized to tackle your next tasks.
- Exercise
Exercise and other physical activities such as running, walking, and swimming help your body produce more endorphins. This, in turn, reduces stress and boosts your sense of well-being – things you need to maintain good mental and emotional health during your move.
Another great thing about de-stressing is that your body will experience a variety of benefits from it, too.
3. Eat healthily
Studies show that a healthy diet can improve a person’s mood and reduce stress levels. It can also positively affect a person’s mental and emotional health. As such, before, during, and after the move, make sure you consume a lot of healthy food and even consider food supplementation:
- Iron-rich foods such as meat, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds. They will help you avoid feeling tired all the time.
- Omega 3-rich foods such as tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in neural functioning.
- Vitamin D-rich foods including salmon, shrimp, and mushrooms. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to depression, cognitive impairment, and other mental and emotional conditions.
4. Maintain relationships with your significant others
Even if you will be moving far away from your family, friends, and other people you have built close relationships with don’t neglect and forget them.
If you are already feeling sad and overwhelmed by your upcoming move, get emotional support, and reassurance from your loved ones. Keep in mind that you don’t have to go through this difficult transition alone; you can rely on your social support system.
To feel better during and after your move, say your goodbyes properly. Throw a party and invite your family, friends, neighbors, and everyone you will miss. Schedule more intimate gatherings with your loved ones and close friends so that you can spend more quality time with them before you leave.
(See also: How Dogs Can Improve Your Physical And Mental Health)
Once you have finally moved, always stay in touch with the people you left behind. Maintain your relationships with them since this will do wonders for your emotional well-being.
5. Have backup plans
Lastly, even if you prepared well for the move, you can’t stop certain issues from coming up. It is best to anticipate these potential problems and create a list of possible solutions. By doing so, you will avoid the unhealthy effects of stress and too much worrying.
Start by having a list of alternative providers of removal services. This is an important thing to do since you don’t want to encounter a lot of hassles and additional work in case your chosen removal company doesn’t show up.
Have the number of a storage facility available on hand, too. Storing your valuables temporarily in such facilities can reduce your worries about your more expensive belongings being damaged while in transit.
There can be no question about it: moving can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health. But by following the tips above, you can avoid these ill effects and enjoy a smoother, stress-free move.
About The Author:
John Pfeiffer has been the proud owner of Ashtons Removals for over 40 years. His attention to detail, a product of his accountancy background, and his emphasis on training and empowering his team members, has ensured the vast number of Gold Coast families who have been moved by Ashtons Removals, have had their furniture and effects moved undamaged and with minimum fuss.
