Eight Tips for Reducing Moving Stress

Moving can be stressful. Stress can reduce productivity and impair your ability to make decisions. As a move manager I know it is a process which may be  different for each family but still has similar steps; sorting through possessions, identifying what to keep, arranging for the distribution, donation or disposal of what you no longer need and finally the pack, move and unpack. I bet your stress levels are increasing just thinking about it! Combatting stress can help you to preserve your energy and will allow you to work toward maximum efficiency. Here are some tips on how to reduce your stress levels as you prepare for a move.

Tip #1: Take a deep breath: Stress leads us to breath quickly and shallowly which reduces the oxygen going our brain, muscles and organs. Take a deep breath in to four counts and hold for two count and exhale for four counts and hold for two counts. Repeat at least three more times.

Tip #2: Engage the help of friends and family: Sometimes working with others will make the time go more quickly and will make the task at hand more enjoyable.

Tip #3: Stay positive: Give yourself and those around you words of encouragement. Make sure that little voice inside your head is saying ‘good job!’ and is focused on how much you are doing and not how much needs to be done. 

Tip #4: Do one thing at a time: Break down the tasks into smaller steps, get it on paper and take on one thing at a time. Don’t put pressure on yourself to do anything other than the task at hand.

Tip #5: Take a nap. When you start feeling fatigued, see your productivity declining and hit a saturation point try taking a 30 minute power nap. You may find just thirty minutes of rest will allow you to start with renewed vigor.

Tip #6: Meditate or pray. Sometimes our brains need a rest from all the decision making. Take five minutes to reset by trying to clear your mind. Prayer may have the same effect and bring you comfort. 

Tip #7: Engage the senses towards a calming effect: 

• Touch: Wear comfortable soft loose clothing while you are working.
• Smell:  Certain scents are associated with relaxation and stress reduction such as lemon, lavender, jasmine, rosemary, cinnamon and spearmint.   Light a scented candle, go into your garden or spice drawer and take in the aroma.
• Taste:  According to a Healthline 2017 publication, certain foods can have a calming effect which include salmon, chamomile, turmeric, yogurt and dark chocolate.

Tip #8: Stay hydrated.  We all know the benefits of drinking water.  When we are dehydrated, energy levels and mental alertness decline. Have a bottle of water close at hand at all times.

Last but not least, be sure to KEEP A SENSE OF HUMOR!  In the blink of an eye you will be all settled in your new home and the move will be a distant memory.

Diane Korotkin is a Senior Move Manager with NextStep Transitions.  NextStep Transitions is a Downsizing and Transition Management Company in Seattle where we help people with downsizing, getting their homes ready for the market and transitioning them into new spaces. For more information call 206-276-7271 or visit www.nextsteptransitions.com