4 Helpful Tips on Taking Time For Yourself During a Big Move

Any move whether it be across town or across the state is stressful and time consuming. With everything involved you may become exhausted and even a bit depressed – the tasks seem to be never ending and you may be leaving behind everything you have ever known – so taking some “me” time when moving is vital to your physical and mental well-being.  Check out our tips on taking time for yourself, before, during and after a big move.

Set a Schedule and Goals

Rushing around and spending hour after hour packing or unpacking is human nature – we want to get it over with ASAP.  However, this can leave you drained and feeling less than thrilled about the whole moving process.  To help avoid moving-overload set a schedule and follow it.  If your goal is to have your kitchen set up, then give yourself a couple of hours in the morning and a few in the afternoon.  But make sure you leave yourself some down time to kick back and enjoy your meals or to catch up on emails.  By setting and following the precepts you have set out for yourself you can prevent becoming exhausted and stressed.

Take Time to Do What You Love

It’s important during a move to not abandon the things you love.  If you are an avid jogger or love tossing a ball around with your kids or dog, then be sure to do so.  The packing and unpacking will still be there in a couple of hours, but you will come back to it refreshed and renewed if you allow yourself some fun in the meantime. This is very important especially if you have children or pets that are used to having some playtime, afterall they will most likely be feeling the pressures of the move as well.  This is also a great way to release those good-feeling endorphins brought on by exercise, even if it’s just a walk around the block to clear your mind.

Don’t Skip Meals and Eat Healthy

With all the hustle and bustle of moving we tend to eat on the run or skip meals altogether.  Avoid the temptation to do both of these.  Skipping meals or loading up on junk or fast food is only going to make you feel more sluggish and uninspired.  If you don’t have time to stop and prepare good quality food, then lean on your grocer over your local diner to nourish yourself.  Many grocers have pre-made platters of fresh fruit and veggies, so use these to snack on instead of potato chips or fattening cookies.  If you have to eat out, choose fresh fish or salads over greasy foods or foods loaded in carbs.  This plan will not only make you feel more energetic, but will keep you from gaining any unwanted weight.

Relax and Unwind at the End of the Day

Once you have put in a full day, it’s important to take time in the evening to relax and unwind.  Put the cares of the day away by soaking in a hot bath with a good book and a glass of wine.  Relaxing before bed will ensure you have a good night’s sleep and will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle more of the moving chores in the morning.  If you aren’t a wine drinker, then use the time in the evening to watch television, take a walk or chat with friends or family.  Whatever relaxes you will be beneficial to a good attitude during your move and a healthy body.

Moving comes with it own stresses, but you don’t have to succumb to them.  Follow these simple tips to ensure yourself some quality “me” time during your relocation.