How moving can impact your mental health
Everyone knows that relocating brings a list of things to do and that can be stressful, but did you ever think about how it can affect your mental health beyond the "stress"? When changing homes, the experience can cause an emotional disruption. It can cause good or bad affects depending on your personal situation. You may go through a short grief period, according to psychologists. The fear of unknown can come along with the new surroundings, and this can encourage anxiety. On the other hand, when you're excited about the move, it can bring the exact opposite emotions and in turn, have great effects on your mental health. Moving can increase your serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and energy.
Regardless of the situation, moving brings a smorgasbord of emotions for both, adults, and kids, alike. Our homes are attached to our wellbeing, and physically "tearing" ourselves away from them may cause feelings of sadness, regret, frustration, or even anger.
If you've moved before, you know exactly what we mean. Your first impression may be that everything is under control. However, several studies have focused on the psychology of relocation because moving is such a stressful experience. Some people may move more often than others, but it's safe to say that relocation is tough on everyone, no matter how often you do it.
Why is a relocation stressful in the first place?
You must be wondering, why moving out of your house feels so stressful? A move should be an opportunity for a fresh start where you can leave all the stressful events of your life behind. The big change that comes with moving is getting a new job and meeting new people, but all changes create anxiety, and that's completely normal. Moving can be both, a stressful and enjoyable process- it's all about the mindset.
How moving can impact your mental health
Moving in itself does not necessarily create anxiety or stress, but more so the factors surrounding the move. Here are some factors that can cause moving to be stressful:
- Changes - Moving to a new home, city, job, or even just a change in environment can cause anyone to feel anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed. Moving can also cause or be the cause of a change in relationships. Studies have shown that people who move frequently tend to view their possessions and relationships, both romantic and friend, as disposable.
- Money - There are many factors involved with moving, but money is easily one of the largest factors. Money is considered one of the biggest causes of stress in individuals who are planning to move. Moving can be costly and can sometimes take years to save up for, even if you have a minimalist lifestyle. Whether you have or lack the financial resources to move, it will surely take a toll on your pockets.
- Time - When you are relocating your home, and essentially, your life, it can feel like your life is on pause. Time is needed to pack, unpack, and settle in. This is time that not everyone has, especially when adding this into your normal day-to-day life, like hectic work or kid's schedules'. This alone can cause anyone to be stressed and overwhelmed.
No matter how moving can impact your mental health, sometimes it's a necessary step in life.
Coping with the stress of moving
- The best thing to do is have the right attitude. You need to believe that the move is necessary and will only benefit you. Visiting new places, eating new foods, and meeting new people are all things you can look forward to.
- Take time to rest and relax; Since moving can get stressful, and a little R&R can do a lot of good.
- Make plans to make new memories at the new house as soon as possible (i.e., host a family dinner or have friends over for drinks).
- Enlist the help of your loved ones for emotional support if you're struggling. It's okay to not be okay but loved ones may help relieve the emotions.
- Loved ones not enough? Get professional movers involved. Sometimes removing the stress completely by hiring professional movers is the best and easiest thing to do. Sometimes, having a little help can make all the difference. If you face a challenging move, reach out to us, and we will discuss how we can take some of the stress out of the transition.