Incorporating Mindfulness into Your Move: A Stress Reduction Strategy
Evidence shows that mindfulness can improve mental and physical health as it addresses two of the main stress pathways in the brain, regulating activity related to emotional response and attention. Studies indicate that people who practice mindfulness are less likely to react to stress with negative or unhelpful thoughts or emotions.
The best part about mindfulness is that it’s easy to do. You don’t need a therapist to teach you how; you can practice it anywhere, making it an excellent way to deal with moving stress.
How Mindfulness Works
Mindfulness involves focusing on the immediate—your surroundings, the sights, sounds and smells around you and within your body. As you focus on things like the air temperature on your skin, the smell of the leaves, or the sounds happening around you, it reduces activity in the amygdala, the part of your brain that activates your stress response.
Mindfulness allows us to be fully present and aware of what we are doing and what’s happening around us. Practicing mindfulness reduces our need to react abruptly or become overwhelmed in stressful situations. It may not eliminate the stress, but it can undoubtedly help us process it better.
The Stress of Moving
Moving is one of the most stressful life events people can go through—right up there with divorce, getting married, and having children.
If you’re moving for a not-so-happy reason, like a breakup, death in the family, or another major life change, it can be extremely challenging. Packing up memories is never easy, but when loss or grief is involved, it’s even harder.
Even in a best-case scenario, like moving to a beautiful new home or moving in with someone you love, the process is long and emotionally fraught. You might feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or apprehensive about the future, filled with “what-ifs” that don’t always end well in your mind. And if you have kids, that’s a whole separate issue. Moving can be incredibly traumatic when having to say goodbye to a school they love, friends, and the place they call home.
If you’re experiencing any of the above, just know you’re not the only one. Moves are rarely stress-free, but you will get through it with the right approach, planning, and mindset!
Applying Mindfulness to Moving
Working mindfulness into your moving workflow is a great way to ease the stress of moving. It’s also a practice you can carry forward and use daily to improve your outlook on life.
Your mindfulness practice should begin as soon as you start preparing for your move. Here are a few steps you can take each day to stay present, grounded, and connected to your feelings as you approach moving day.
Start the day with positive affirmations
It’s too easy to get overwhelmed with stressful thoughts if you don’t have something to replace them with. Focus on the positive thoughts. Don’t dwell on yesterday or think about tomorrow. Mindfulness is all about the present. Here are a few examples:
- “I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
- “My new place is perfect for me in every way.”
- “Embracing change allows me to move forward.”
Declutter
Purging items you no longer need, want, or want to move is a great way to reduce moving stress. As you work, focus on the task. Don’t get hung up on memories or spend too much time thinking about your things. Make quick decisions on what to keep, toss, sell, or donate.
Don’t try to do too much at once
Create a detailed moving checklist and choose one thing to accomplish each day. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you’re rushed or try to take on too much. Giving yourself enough time and planning well is an excellent way to reduce stress, as it eliminates a lot of unknowns.
Get to know your new neighbourhood
In the months leading up to your move, take the time to explore the area and get to know the shops, restaurants, services, and parks nearby. Even a couple of hours a week will help you acquaint yourself with your new hood. By the time you’re moved in, you’ll already feel right at home.
Practical Mindfulness Exercises for Moving
Incorporating mindfulness into your day may be a conscious effort, but it’s not hard to do. Though it’s a form of meditation, it’s much simpler and less demanding of your attention and energy.
Here are a few simple techniques you can practice daily during the moving process.
Breathing techniques
Mindfulness breathing exercises can be done anywhere, anytime. Intentional breathing is a foundational mindfulness practice because it grounds you in the moment. It’s where you start and a place to return to when intrusive thoughts begin to creep in.
Here are a couple of ways to do it:
- Observance of breath. Mindful breathing asks you to notice things like the temperature of the air as you breathe it in and the warmth of the air you exhale. When you feel your mind wandering, bring it back to your breath to dispel intrusive thoughts.
- Counting breath. Counting your breaths distracts your mind and stops it from racing or feeding into negative thoughts.
- Deep breathing. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try breathing deeply. Slowly and intentionally fill your lungs while counting, then exhale slowly to the same count. Doing this for a few minutes calms the brain and gives you a chance to reset.
Mindful packing techniques
Mindfulness can be described as intention. When packing for a move, ask yourself why you are holding onto certain things if they no longer serve you. Try to be as practical as possible, but don’t give up the things that give you great pleasure and joy. Everything in between can probably go.
Mindful unpacking techniques
Approach unpacking as you did when you packed up. Unpack essential items first. Then, go room by room and put things where you want them. Having entire rooms finished will give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Final Thoughts
Moving can be incredibly stressful. Mindfulness is a simple practice you can apply to help you get through your move, one moment at a time. By incorporating these mindfulness techniques into your daily routine, your move might be one you’ll remember fondly.
Moving is hard, just give it to us
The impact of moving stress can vary depending on the person. Some common ways it can affect you include trouble sleeping, increased anxiety, and feeling disconnected or out of sorts.
It’s vital to address these feelings and find healthy ways to cope. If left unchecked, moving stress can have long-term implications, leading to depression, relationship problems, and physical health issues.
Relevant for your move
An Ultimate Checklist for Change of Address in Ontario
Toronto Neighborhood Guide: Choosing the Right Area for Your Move
Pre-Move Decluttering: How to Lighten Your Load Before a Big Move