According to experts, moving is the third-most stressful event in a person’s life, and this is especially true for relocating somewhere abroad. That is why it’s crucial to know how to deal with moving stress before you embark on the journey to your new home. Luckily, there are quite a few methods that have been proven to help with this hurdle.
Keep Things Organized
Chaos is one of the biggest anxiety inducers. In other words, to make sure you feel at ease, you need to stay on top of things. One of the best ways to do so is by having a comprehensive checklist of all your tasks. It should include day-by-day plans, and be as detailed as you deem it necessary.
Another good method to stay organized is to create a packing inventory. Whether you’re planning on using professional packing services or doing it yourself, this will come in handy. The inventory will help you label your boxes, which will, in turn, make unpacking much easier once you get to your new home.
Recognize and Acknowledge Moving Stress
All too often in life, we tend to think that we can simply power through a stressful situation. However, this can cause us to make more mistakes, which is something that absolutely shouldn’t happen when moving abroad. One wrong step in a relocation to a new home can lead to a world of problems.
For this reason, it’s important to recognize and acknowledge when you’re feeling stressed. Simply ignoring it won’t make this feeling go away. Instead, once you realize what is going on, take a moment to gather your thoughts, take a couple of deep breaths, and come to your senses.
Have Some Me Time
Once you’ve realized you’re under stress, it’s time to do something about it. One of your go-to options should be to do something nice for yourself – have some me-time. This can mean different things to different people. Here are some of our top suggestions.
A Spa Day to Battle Moving Stress
What better way to destress than by booking a massage, or, even better, a full-day spa retreat? Massages have been proven to help with stress management, as do hot tubs and saunas. Bring your best friend or significant other with you, or simply go alone and enjoy some much-needed solitude.
Meditation, Yoga, and Physical Activity
If you can’t set aside a whole day to pamper yourself, you can still do some little things throughout the day. Going for a quick walk in the park or meditating for thirty minutes can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Of course, if you’re used to a higher level of physical activity, do your best to maintain it.
Don’t Neglect Your Hobbies
Do you have any hobbies you enjoy doing in your free time? Relocation is no reason to neglect them. You can still set aside some time during your day to paint, write, garden, or do anything else you enjoy. However, this might not be the best opportunity to take up a new hobby.
Doing Nothing Can Do Wonders
If you feel like it, you can even spend your me-time by doing absolutely nothing. Sit in front of the TV, scroll through social media, or simply stare at a blank wall. If that’s what it takes to recharge your batteries, so be it. No one can judge you.
Set Aside an Hour a Day
Who says me-time should only be reserved for when you’re feeling stressed? It can also act as a great preventive measure against stress. Set aside an hour every day – for example, right after lunch – to do something unrelated to your upcoming international move.
Turn to Other People for Comfort
You don’t have to go through this alone. If you’re feeling on edge, talking about it might help. Pick up the phone and call your best friend, sibling, significant other, or anyone else you love talking to. Even if they’re not going through the relocation process with you, they can still be there to listen.
Also, if they’re here for you now, they will be here for you after the whole ordeal is over with. Learn how to keep in touch with friends after the relocation and make sure the bond between you never gets weaker. Moving across the world isn’t necessarily an end to a friendship.
Seek Help If Things Get Too Stressful
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed and like no amount of massages and hobbies could help you, perhaps it’s time to seek professional help. There is no shame in talking to a therapist when you feel like you have a lot on your plate. Here are some telltale signs that you should start seeing a therapist:
- You are so stressed that even the simple everyday tasks feel insurmountable
- You are experiencing recurring medical symptoms such as headaches, arrhythmia, and shortness of breath
- You just can’t seem to fall asleep, or you sleep too much
- You are becoming irritable to the point that you’re not good company anymore
- Any other new and unusual behaviors not normal for your everyday life
Remember, even if you aren’t experiencing any of these symptoms, but still think you could benefit from a therapist appointment, don’t hesitate to make one.
Hire Professional Movers
If, at any point, you feel like the move is becoming too much for you, you can always turn to professional movers. By ordering international moving services, you will not only have more free time, but you will also be sure that your belongings are in safe hands. With a reduced workload and reliable international movers by your side, it’ll be much easier to keep stress levels at bay.
What’s more, movers will do much more than just ship your stuff. They can also pack it for you, provide you with storage, or ship your vehicle overseas. You just have to call them, kick back, and relax.
