Stress is a biological and personalized response that accompanies change. For some, the pressure of anticipating an unknown can be exciting and motivating. For others, even a small required adjustment to their normal daily routine can wreak havoc beyond measure. An impending home or career relocation is a valid stressor that needs to be recognized and addressed productively to go smoothly.
Below are five ways to make your upcoming move free from stress:
1. Understanding Why
First, contemplate why you are relocating. Chances are you’ll be able to sleep on it and let the shock of the news settle in. Next, taking the stress out of the unknown requires being logical about the whys and hows involved. If the relocation is financial, be sure to list benefits and end-goals. It could very well be that you haven’t had time to consider what’s in it for you.
It is also smart to get creative about ways to make a comeback if the move isn’t your doing. A corporate move, for instance, may not coincide with a promotion, so you might want to weigh your best interests by transitioning your main skill sets to create additional opportunities post-move. Keep in mind that the universe works in mysterious ways.
2. Create a Timeline That Works for You
Staying in control of a stressful situation means keeping yourself the priority. Don’t feel bad about doing what works for you. Making a list and checking it twice will give you a handle on what needs to get done and when. If your time is well managed, you’ll be better able to enjoy the relocation process while navigating a multitude of change.
3. Be Strategic and Make Lists
The fear of potentially forgetting things contributes to stress. Always keep a calendar of events (think end-goal dates and the steps that lead up to achieving them). If you visualize on paper how your time will be allocated, it will take away the stress related to running out of time. Being strategic will give you direction and provide organization.
4. Focus on the Good
When you can’t change your situation, opt for changing your perspective about it. If you can find out what makes you happy, then you can incorporate those elements into the ultimate result.
5. Look Forward to it!
Be sure to reward your efforts by scheduling things to look forward to once the change has passed and you find yourself in the new situation. From simple pleasures like appreciating a new environment or engaging in opportunities for new relationships, drink in the current happenings and revel in them.
An impending relocation requires good communication and some flexibility. Remembering that your not alone in the process is something else to keep in mind. The chances are that you can seek guidance from others who’ve already gone through the process, or colleagues and family members the relocation will also effect. Success and keeping stress to a minimum alongside change isn’t a mystery, it’s planning.