METCALF MOVING BLOG
Pre-Move Stress Relievers to Help You Stay on Track
A household move involves a variety of complicated emotions. On the one hand, you have the joy and excitement of launching a new adventure, but on the other hand, you might experience some sorrow about leaving your old life behind.
Moving to a new home also brings significant change, and change can be very stressful. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate your pre-move stress.
Start Early
Much of the stress from moving comes from being pressed for time. Plan for every task to take longer than you expect it to and start as early as possible to allow for contingencies.
Stay Organized
List the tasks ahead of you, build them into a schedule, and tick them off as you’ve accomplished them. Check your schedule and task list frequently; if you see that you are getting off track, ask for help from friends or consider paying the mover to do more work, like packing. Make lists for everything and stick to them.
Eat Properly
Eating regularly and nutritionally will keep your body functioning optimally and help you manage stress. Scientists have determined that certain foods help fight anxiety and stress. These include:
- green, leafy vegetables;
- tryptophan-rich foods including turkey, nuts, eggs, tofu, seeds, lentils, oats, and fish
- yogurt
- foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon
- blueberries
- dark chocolate that is at least 70 percent cocoa
- oranges
- green tea or chamomile tea
- beets
Sleep Well
When adults fail to get enough sleep, 21 percent say they feel more stressed than when they are well-rested. When you’re moving, you may be tempted to stay up late to pack just one more box. However, during stressful times, sleeping at least seven to nine hours a night is essential.
Exercise
Exercise pumps up endorphins, which help you to feel good. It also allows you to shed daily tensions while your body systems—digestive, cardiovascular, and immune—work together to manage stress. The best exercise is one you love to do, whether that’s dancing, running, or playing a sport.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Allow a few minutes in your schedule to practice relaxation techniques daily. These techniques could include massage, acupuncture, yoga, or sitting in mindfulness meditation or visualization. You might also do simple deep breathing exercises. For example, one exercise would be to sit upright, breathing in through your nose and out through the mouth slowly, trying to extend the exhalation more with each breath.
Another exercise is known as progressive muscle relaxation. In that exercise, you lie on the floor and, beginning with your feet, gradually tense each muscle in the body, holding the tension for several seconds before relaxing it. The exercise continues going from feet to head until you have tensed and relaxed each muscle.
Save Some Items For Last
If you have a hobby that brings you joy, avoid packing these items until almost time for the move. You can then take a few minutes each day to enjoy them. Once you pack these items, label the box so that you open it soon after you arrive in your new home and can enjoy them there.
Take a Break
If you’ve spent every night packing and feel yourself becoming stressed, it may be time to take a break to do something you enjoy with family or friends. Take time off to enjoy a movie or restaurant meal, a hike, or picnic in the park.
Movers Can Help Relieve Stress
If you run out of steam or are under too much stress, let your movers help with more of the process. We can help you plan your move. Contact us today.
