Take a Break: Moving Stress Relief
Household moves are challenging. No matter how many times you’ve gone through the process, moving can cause feelings of anxiety and stress.
That’s why taking time to stop, step back, and relax is vital. Of course, when you’re in the middle of a move, you probably don’t feel like you have a lot of time— but that’s when you might just need a break the most.
Here are five effective, quick ways to reduce stress while moving.
1. Deep Breathing
Taking slow, deep, and long breaths helps relieve stress. It’s a technique you can do anywhere— even in the middle of packing and lifting.
Deep breathing can even reduce your heart rate and lower blood pressure. Simply inhale slowly for five seconds, hold your breath for three seconds, then exhale for five seconds. You may also try breathing through just one nostril at a time.
2. Practice Mindfulness
While you may associate mindfulness with meditation, you can practice it anytime. That’s why it’s such a great way to relieve stress during a move.
As Harvard Medical School notes, mindfulness helps you approach stressful situations — even moving — with an open, accepting attitude. This, in turn, helps reduce stress. Over time, practicing mindfulness can even alleviate anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness apps make it easy. Download an app such as Headspace, Calm, Mindfulness Daily, Simple Habit, 3-MInute Mindfulness, or similar onto your smartphone and follow the instructions.
3. Have a Sweet Treat
A sweet snack can do wonders to lift your spirits. But not just any snack will do; in fact, too much sugar can backfire, causing you to “crash” later.
Instead, nibble on a few squares (or about 1.4 ounces) of dark chocolate. This delicious substance has been found to lower cortisol levels — otherwise known as the stress hormone — and may even help stabilize your metabolism.
4. Visit Your Happy Place
If you can, slip away from the chaos for a bit, find a quiet space, and have a seat. Now close your eyes and imagine you’re in your favorite place in the whole world.
This might be a sunny beach or a shady mountaintop. Perhaps you’re in your childhood home or the downtown of a city you love to visit. Close your eyes and picture it in detail no matter where you wish you were.
Breath deeply and slowly as you imagine the sounds, smells, and tastes from your special place. After five to 10 minutes of visualization, your stress level will ebb.
5. Sticky Stuff
According to the University of Colorado Boulder, chewing on a stick of gum can lower your stress levels. So grab a stick of gum and pop it in your mouth for at least a few minutes. The act of chewing reduces cortisol levels, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Another sticky substance, honey, has a similar stress-reducing effect. Anti-inflammatory compounds in honey fight symptoms of depression and anxiety, too. Just a spoonful may help you feel better.
While it’s true that moving is stressful, these steps can help you reduce your anxiety level. In addition, just stopping for a minute to take a deep breath can go a long way toward improving your mood and your move.
Let’s Us Help
From packing to heavy lifting, all aspects of household moving can be a chore. Contact us for a free quote. Let us help lighten your stress and moving load.
