How to Unwind After a Long Move
Moving can be a stressful endeavor when one is just moving across town; moving to another country is a whole other matter entirely. In addition to dealing with culture shock and any language barriers that might come into play, there are always concerns around settling in, finding local goods and services, and getting jobs and schools, or retirement concerns, all sorted out. On top of that, I’ve never known anyone who didn’t experience a little bit of anxiety about all of his or her belongings arriving in one piece.
Much can be done to alleviate some of those concerns before arrival; planning your move with a reputable moving company and scoping out your new home via the Internet can go a very long way toward soothing the moving jitters. Still, once you arrive, you’re going to have some stressful moments.
Rather than let the stress pile up and get to you, quite possibly doing some external damage to your relationships along with internal damage to your health and sanity, take to heart, and put into practice, these top ten tips for stress busting after an international move:
- Take a long walk in your new neighborhood or city and discover all of its sights and sounds. Regardless of whether your are moving into a flat in the heart of Madrid, a country house in New Zealand, or a beach bungalow in Costa Rica, there is bound to be much to see and experience. Make it your mission to not miss a thing. Take your time, be present, and absorb all you can.
- Have a dance party in your living room- get a little silly and really bust a move (pun totally intended). You’ll be amazed at what it does to release tension.
- Laughter truly is the best medicine, so why not have a comedy movie marathon to get the giggles going. Be sure to load them up on your laptop prior to departure from your country of origin, because it may be a while before you get your cable, satellite or Internet connected in your new home.
- Speaking of humor, keep yours in check by remembering that new things are always a bit uncomfortable and, more importantly, the magic always happens outside your comfort zone.
- Remember to think of it as an adventure- and adventures are fun right? No stress required if you take it all in stride and think of every new experience, communication barrier, or patience nudge as part of the adventure; grin and give thanks for new journeys in life.
- Discover the local cuisine. Get online and Google it, or ask your neighbors where the best place in town is for a good meal and a nice glass of whatever tickles your palette.
- Spend some time in daily meditation and reflection. Remember to have an attitude of gratitude for this new and exciting time in your life. Give thanks to the Universe, Goodness, or Yourself for that matter, for giving you the luxury of experiencing life abroad.
- Scope out your local spa and go have a day of pampering; or, at the very least, a nice long massage. If a spa day is out of your budget, find your local nail salon and just have a pedicure- you’ll be amazed at the wonders a little attention to your feet can do.
- Remember the four magic words that make up the ever charmed, stress-busting question: “How important is it?” You will be surprised at how far that little reality check can lighten your mood and alleviate anxiety.
- Have an afternoon barbecue, a mid-morning brunch, or sunset cocktail party, and invite your new neighbors over for a little meet and greet. Now some of you may be saying, “oh no! Having a party is even more stressful!” But remember, you just moved in. No one expects your house to be in perfect order. So relax, keep it super casual, and maybe even consider making it a potluck. Your neighbors will appreciate your hospitality, you’ll make some new friends, and you’ll have some fun while you’re at it.