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It is no secret that moving can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, whether it is just moving down the road or across the world. It can be a huge cause of anxiety for many reasons, including logistics, adaptation, fear of the unknown, anxiety surrounding unforeseen circumstances, and more. As someone who has moved from town to town, country to country, and is in the process of moving all the way across the world for the second time in two years, here are some of my tips and tricks.
Firstly, prioritize yourself. While it can be hard to find time for yourself during the busy times of moving, it is essential to put your health and mental well-being first. This will prevent burnout and aid in soothing stress, enabling you to face challenges associated with moving more effectively, with a positive mindset and better resilience. Prioritizing yourself leads to smoother transitions in your new environment. Some ways to prioritize yourself include eating a healthy and balanced diet, working out regularly, taking breaks when needed, and spending quality time with family.
My second piece of advice is to start packing and organizing things early. Whatever you do, don’t leave anything to the last minute. There is a lot to do when it comes to moving, and cramming everything in at the last minute will certainly be very discouraging and overwhelming. However, if you commence early and do a little bit at a time, it will be way more motivating than if you wait until the last minute. It will also allow you to formulate a clear plan, minimizing the risk of overlooking crucial tasks or information. This will enable you to make well-informed decisions.
Thirdly, keep somewhat of a routine as it helps manage stress levels and maintains some sense of normalcy during the chaos. This will allow you to stay focused on essential tasks and help you maintain a clearer and more positive mindset, ensuring an easier transition. It contributes to overall better health and well-being, providing a more comfortable and stable move. You can do this by keeping a daily schedule, setting specific times for meals, allocating time throughout the day for tasks and activities, prioritizing getting enough sleep, and sticking to plans.
My fourth suggestion is to set realistic goals and expectations for yourself. In my opinion, this strategy is one of the most important. Setting goals will allow you to have adequate time management and make the moving process a whole lot less overwhelming. It will help you stay organized and ensure that you are on track with all tasks and the logistical side of things. Having realistic expectations will help you foster a more positive mindset and reduce the risk of disappointment and frustration caused by not achieving goals or things not meeting your expectations that you have set for yourself. Some examples of realistic expectations and goals are understanding that there will be an adaptation period; you will not know everything about this environment when you first arrive, and that’s okay. Plan to explore your new environment, find activities that you enjoy, and do things gradually and systematically.
Lastly, acknowledge all your feelings, both positive and negative, and deal with them in a healthy way. If you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, take a break and do something you like. For example, go for a walk or to the gym, watch an episode of your favorite Netflix show, or listen to some music. Do something that you enjoy and that allows you to focus, losing yourself in the moment. If you’re feeling homesick or missing your previous environment, take some time to journal and reflect. Think about what you liked about your previous home and find ways to implement them into your new home. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and reach out if you are struggling with your mental health. If you are still in high school, you could talk with your school counselor, teacher, parent, or another trusted adult.
Overall, moving is stressful and overwhelming; however, there are strategies that you can implement to make it a more comfortable process and provide more stability in your life during this chaotic and stressful period. These strategies will help you during the adaptation time. The key to ensuring a positive moving experience is by doing what works for you and not being afraid to ask for help if necessary. Remember to stay true to yourself in your new environment and accept that there will be some challenges.