How to overcome relocation anxiety.
I have been in this place for the last decade, and the time has arrived for me to relocate to another place. I am so anxious. At times I feel so happy about the change; other times I feel I will miss the life that I am used to here.
What is relocation anxiety?
Relocation anxiety can also be referred to as relocation stress syndrome.
Relocation stress syndrome is set as symptoms that an individual has when he transfers to another place. These symptoms can influence individual behavior, moods, and psychological well-being of an individual.
It can occur to anyone at any age.
What are the most common symptoms of relocation anxiety?
- Feeling nervous.
- Restlessness.
- Difficulty in controlling worrying.
- Tension
- Sweating
- Having trouble sleeping.
- Feeling weak and tired.
- Having trouble concentrating.
What causes relocation anxiety.?
1. The fear of the new adventures -the new life.
Moving forces us to step out of our comfort zones into a life of the unknown.
Human beings are not comfortable with changes in their life. Everyone fears facing new experiences in life.
Relocating will bring a lot of change to someone at once. Demo graphical change, climate change, social changes, and economical change among others.
2. The finances.
Money is a huge factor that can result in anxiety during the process of relocating. Moving is expensive. One requires money to physically move your belongings, and you are also required to make a down payment for a new house.
3. The process is overwhelming.
Moving involves planning out the logistics and finding a new house in a new place. Organizing the move.
Packing your belonging and unpacking when you arrive in your new home. The whole process can overwhelming.
Consequences of relocation anxiety.
- Increased depression
- Psychological distress
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Cognitive decline
- Dissatisfaction with the move.
How to manage relocation anxiety.
1. Plan and organize your move well.
Have a checklist to help maintain order during the moving process. The essential elements in the checklist include;
- Order your packing supplies, boxes, containers, packing papers, etc.
- Make all the down payments required for your new home.
- Make travel arrangements to a w home.
- Get all your official documents on order.
- Pack everything days in advance of the big move.
2. Embrace positive thoughts.
Everything starts with our thought, changing our mindset toward the move, and stopping fearing the unknown. Start thinking of the move as an exciting opportunity, to start a new life. to meet new friends and new neighborhoods.
3. Take care of yourself.
During the process of moving, take good care of yourself. Packing can be an involving task. Start packing early and make the break when your body needs one.
During the move, pack a small bag with essentials to keep with you. Pack a bottle of water, some snacks, your phone, a charger, and toilet paper. anything you would require during the journey.
4. Ask for support.
Request family or friends to assist you during the process of moving out.
Coping in your new destination.
1. Redecorate your new space to feel like home.
If possible repaint the walls of your new house with your favorite color. Try to choose a design that will remind you of where you left off
2. Maintain your friends.
Times have changed, and we still can maintain our relationships even if we are miles always. Constantly check your friends’ us in online communications, call them, and send them videos of your new home.
3. Make new friends.
Finding friends in the new place can maybe cause more anxious feelings, but there are ways for you to do this. If you have some hobby or recreational activity, try to find similar clubs and groups and join them. You will have a common interest with them and you can easily find a friend there.
4. Explore the city.
Create time to simply get out of the house and explore the new city. Take your camera with you and go discover the city.
