Or During Other Major Life Events
Bruce and I are moving as I write this. And even though I have an awesome banker (shout out to Mark!) and a fabulous relator (Go, Laureen!), this process has not been easy. I thought at first it was just my age that was making things more difficult. Then I remembered reading something in The Science of Health that delineated the top 5 most stressful life events. And sure enough, up there with job loss, the death of a loved one, divorce/separation, and major illness is buying a house and moving. It’s kind of mind-blowing compared to the pain and stress of the first four, but buying a house and moving makes the top 5! In Life! Yikes! So what are you supposed to do to decrease your stress when moving? Well, here are a few ideas that worked for me. I hope that they’ll help for you if you’re moving or experiencing (God, forbid) one of the other four.
Prioritize Self-Care To Decrease Your Stress When Moving
Last Friday, when half of my house was still unpacked, I went and got a mani-pedi. I really had no business doing this with all the work that needed to be done. And yet I did it. It was a lovely, relaxing experience that paid major benefits all day Saturday and Sunday as Bruce and I made boxes, and wrapped things in bubble. When you’re going through something rough, it’s very easy to let taking care of yourself slip. But, as with my mani-pedi, it can be a huge help. Go get a massage or a blow out. Take in the concert on the town green. Catch a movie. Or walk around your favorite consignment shop (LOL). If you take care of yourself, you’ll decrease your stress about moving or whatever you’re handling.
Keep Up With Your Routine – It’s A Great Stress-Buster
I’m a runner (see my previous blog: I Guess I’m A Runner Now?). And I’ve kept up my running schedule (weather notwithstanding) during this move. I think it’s one of the few things keeping me sane right now. Some would argue that I’ve never really been sane, but that’s a topic for another blog. That time, when I’m out there hitting the streets (and trying not to die running the hills) provides an opportunity to blow out the cobwebs, work out a problem or two, or just think of nothing at all. I feel the stress melting with each step. So if you run, run. And if you pilates, pilates . If you have coffee with your pals on Wednesday mornings, try to keep doing that too. Routine is a great way to decrease your stress when you’re moving. It breaks the monotony of what you’re going through and allows your brain and your body to go somewhere else for awhile.
Practice Mindful Meditation
I’ll admit that until I understood what “mindful meditation” meant, it seemed like a hokey concept. But the idea of taking time with your thoughts, to help you better understand your own feelings and reactions, makes sense to me. Mindful meditation can really help you reduce stress when moving or experiencing many of life’s other stressors. It involves sitting quietly to focus on your breathing, thoughts, sensations in your body or things you can sense around you. You try to bring your attention back to the present if your mind starts to wander. It helps relax both the mind and body and that’s what most of us need during stressful periods. I will admit, I’ve tried it with some success myself, but staying in the present can be kind of tough.
Talk To Your Doctor
If simple things like self care and mindfulness aren’t doing the trick, it could be time to speak to a professional. Doctors and therapists can suggest all types of help to decrease the stress of moving or any number of life’s tough ones. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. We all do sometimes my friends.
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