A move can be stressful even in the best of circumstances. All the changes involved with moving can certainly tip your inner scale toward sadness. Not sure how to beat the moving blues? Here are ten tips to perk up your spirits and center yourself on the bright side regarding your move.
If you're feeling homesick, there’s no harm in calling or emailing your old pals to check in. Try to stay positive and tell them about the cool things you’ve discovered since your move. Hearing a familiar voice and having someone share your experience can help ease your moving anxiety.
Relying on your old friends for support is great, but you still need to get out and find new buddies. Join a Meetup book club, take a class about a subject you want to share with others, or reconnect with college alumni on LinkedIn, perhaps. Whatever it takes to find people you can share your new place with.
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Getting back into an old routine can bring some comfort to your day. If you love movies, check out the local cinema. If yoga is your thing, visit classes at a local studio. Figure out the new route for your morning walk. Doing activities that you are already comfortable with is often less stressful than trying something new.
When you're trying to move beyond the moving blues, you might challenge yourself to try one new thing each week in your new hometown. Whether it’s a new restaurant or new sport, you can explore the unknown in your environment. Try journaling about it so you can remember the things you liked (and note the ones you didn’t).
It’s true: laughter is the best medicine. Look for ways to laugh in your new place. Check out a comedy club, improv comedy theater or a funny play. At home, watch a funny movie or TV show every night to keep your spirits lifted. Even if it's just a distraction, it'll help you not feel so bad.
Many anti-depression tips suggest that instead of pushing yourself to overcome the blues, allow your self to wallow in them for a bit. If you're overwhelmed, you likely need extra sleep. Take naps, sleep late and lay around on the couch. Eventually, you’ll get tired of being tired and feel ready for an adventure.
This is a no-brainer – sort of. Exercise fires up your endorphins and sends signals to your brain that make you feel good. So beat the blues with a walk around the block. It works!
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One sure-fire way to feel good and learn about your community is to volunteer for a local charity. Giving back and helping someone will lend you a sense of purpose and brighten your mood.
If you really didn’t want to move in the first place or you are simply having a hard time adjusting to your new home, it’s smart to contact a psychologist or professional counselor. Sharing your experience and receiving objective feedback can be very helpful. A professional can also suggest healthy coping strategies.
It’s proven that certain foods make you feel better, so take this opportunity to banish your blues with a feel-good meal. This is also a great excuse to try new, local restaurants. It’s a temporary fix but works well when combined with these other tips. (And you have to eat, after all!)
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Photo Credit: Shutterstock / sirtravelalot
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