15 Stress Busters When You’re Settling in to a New Place
by Susan Miller
We are all like washing machines: When our load gets out of balance we threaten to shut down and may even make loud, annoying noises. When the washing machine is letting you know it’s out of balance, do you ignore it? No, you open the lid and redistribute the weight or remove some items. So it is with our lives.
When the stress of settling in after your move is causing an imbalance that could lead to an emotional or physical shut down, follow these steps to help redistribute or lighten the “load”.
Start with one room
Concentrate on getting one room settled so you have a place to rest when it seems everything else is in disarray.
Take a break from those boxes
Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and your house won’t be settled in a day either.
Don’t get too upset over broken things
Something always breaks or gets damaged. Remember, they are just things.
Trust God
…even when it seems everything is going wrong.
Get enough sleep
A sleep researcher reported that the number of people who can get by on fewer than 8 hours of sleep each night can be rounded to . . . zero. Everyone needs 8 hours of sleep and if you can’t get that, grab a short nap.
Join a fitness class
This is a great stress reliever and an opportunity to meet others.
Pray
Pray about everything.
Have one goal per day
Don’t try to get new license plates, a library card, and a driver’s license all at once.
Reward yourself
What brings a smile to your face when you’ve accomplished a dreaded task? Reward yourself with a special treat like new nail polish, a favorite magazine, a bubble bath, or a fruit smoothie!
Browse
Visit a local bookstore or your favorite shop and browse the aisles.
Make time for you a priority
Read that book you’ve always wanted to read. Unload your thoughts in to a personal journal. This is time set aside just for you, even if it’s just half an hour each day.
Feel inspired
Listen to music that energizes or inspires you.
Gain perspective
Moses was charged with moving 2-3 million people from Egypt to the Promised Land. Kind of puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?
Eat out
Watching your budget? Do carry-out or bring home a “you bake” pizza. Use one of those coupons that came in the mail. You may discover your favorite restaurant.
What would Scarlet do?
When all else fails, put on your sweetest smile and in your best southern belle accent say, “I’ll think about that tomorrow!”