Anyone who’s moved knows this to be true—Even the smoothest of transitions is bound to be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. Keep your head above water through every phase of your next relocation with these helpful self-care tips.
Schedule downtime. With all of the physical and emotional stressors of a move, it’s imperative to block out some down time to avoid burning out. Even if it’s just 20-30 minutes per day, actively de-stressing will keep you from getting sick or injured. Some yoga, light reading, watching movies, or even just spending time with loved ones around the dinner table will help bring you into the present moment and out of your moving-induced stress.
Create a schedule and to-do list. An organized move depends heavily on the prep you do beforehand. Winging the process leaves plenty of room for mistakes and will likely leave you in a rush to finish packing. Don’t wait until your back is up against the wall to start planning—Assign each task to a different day and break them down into smaller to-do lists so you can take your time (and a few deep breaths while you’re at it).
Set an intention to start your days strong. While some people find it easier to stick to a routine than others, setting an intention to at least begin each day with a deep breath and healthy habits will ensure your stress hormones don’t spike first thing in the morning. Sip a hot cup of coffee, take your pooch for a walk, or enjoy breakfast with the family before splitting up to tackle to-do lists.
Remain mindful. If you’ve never practiced mindfulness, now’s the time! You don’t need to meditate to reach a zen state. Pause throughout the day and bring awareness to your breath, your body, and your mind.
Make time to exercise. Maybe exercise is part of your scheduled down time each day, but even if it’s not—There’s no better way to ward off the moving blues. Even a quick 30 minutes of cardio per day can help increase energy levels and decrease stress.
Ask for help. Spoiler alert: You don’t have to do it all on your own! Moving is hardly a one-person job, and there’s no shame in asking for a little help where you need it. Your friends, family and loved ones have likely been through the same process and understand how challenging it can be.
Get quality sleep. It can be difficult to stick to a bedtime routine when moving, especially if you spend all day away from your home. Being stressed can lead you to have difficulty sleeping, which in turn puts more stress on your body and mind. Create a peaceful, safe space to recharge at nighttime by incorporating lavender essential oils, a white noise machine, or weighted blanket into your evening relaxation.
Keep a journal. Practicing stream of consciousness journaling is the perfect way to untangle those messy thoughts swirling around in your head before, during, and after your move. Some people find it more beneficial to journal first thing in the morning, while others enjoy doing so before bed. Do what works for you, and don’t judge yourself in the process. Even if you don’t know where to start, getting in the practice of writing out your thoughts will help keep you feeling level-headed.
Originally Written for MorelandBlog.com