According to the Holmes And Rahe Stress Scale, moving is one of the most stressful events that you are likely to do in your lifetime. One of the reasons that researchers often cite is the fact that moving often comes with many mixed emotions as you look forward to new adventures while knowing that part of your life is ending. Here are some ways that you can stay emotionally healthy during your next move.
Keep a Positive Mindset
One of the things that you will want to do while working with a moving company, is to keep a positive mindset about the adventures lying ahead of you. You may want to make a list of places to visit and things to eat in the new location that you cannot currently enjoy. Lay concrete plans to do some of those things as soon as you arrive in your new locale so that you have some exciting things to look forward to doing.
Stay Connected
You will want to spend some time saying goodbye to friends and family who have helped you while you have lived in a location, so plan some special outings before you move. If you have not already done so, make sure that you exchange contact information allowing you to text, email or use social media to connect after the move. After all, they will want to see what you are up to and you will want to learn about your former neighbors.
Get Involved
After the move, it is important to get involved in making your new community a better place to live. Examine your heart to see what group you are called to help first. It may be a local pet adoption agency, a homeless shelter or a food ministry. Giving back always feels great as it takes your mind off your own struggles and gives you something to focus on. These groups always need help, but if the first does not work out, then feel free to try another one.
Keep a Journal
Writing is a great way to relieve stress, but remember that your journal is your space so feel free to draw or doodle in it as well. One technique that some find useful is to write with their non-dominant hand about what you wish was happening and then answer with your dominant hand about the exciting things that are happening. Others find it useful to make gratitude lists. Still, others find that setting aside a certain amount of time each day where they just write without any editing helps them to process.
Use these ideas and your own ingenuity to make your move as smooth as possible. You have the power to choose how you are going to handle your emotions during a move. Make good choices today.
