How to deal with relocation depression

If your relocation to a new home has been successful, then you must know how good it feels to finally sit down, right after the moving truck has left, and just congratulate yourself on a job well done. You do have every reason to be proud of yourself. And yet you do not seem to be happy and satisfied. So, why is that? Many moving experts believe that the hardest part of relocation comes after the moving day is over. And they are not talking about the never-ending process of unpacking. Probably, the toughest stage of a move is that period when you have to deal with a post-move phenomenon known as relocation depression. Do not worry, for many people this is a common thing. Keep reading to find out how to deal with relocation depression and how to cope with stress.

Try to make new friends

If you are moving by your self, it is going to be hard. Especially if you are not a sociable or an outgoing person, you will probably have problems with adjusting to a new place. It is not going to be easy. It is going to hard to befriend strangers. So try using baby-steps. One day at a time. For example, you can start by getting to know your closest neighbors. And if everything works out fine, they will meet you with the rest of the street. Try organizing a housewarming party. Barbecue is always a good idea. Moreover, you can try to be friends with your new colleagues. After meeting them, you can ask them to show you the city or to go out for a drink.

Stay connected with your old friends

If you are suffering from the relocation depression, it is probably because you are feeling isolated. Missing your loved ones can be the worst feeling in the world. So, do not be afraid to call some of your friends and family. If you are having a hard time, that is the best thing you can do. Reach out to them. Of course, it is not the same as having your friends nearby, but even this small thing can make a huge difference. Another thing you can do is to invite your best friend to stay over for a couple of days. This can make you forget all your struggles and deal with relocation depression one step at a time. Do not let distance persuade you that friendship is not possible when you are miles away.

Social Networks will help you

We know nothing is better than drinking coffee or beer with your best friend. Gossip is always better when it is face to face. Unfortunately, those days are on hold for now. What you can do is stay in contact with your best friends over social media accounts like Facebook or Skype. Every once in a while, have a video chat with your loved ones. Share your struggles and problems. Talk about what is new in your lives. Try to think that nothing has changed. This can help you a lot, especially in those moments when you are feeling nostalgic.

Create a familiar environment to combat your relocation depression

One of the best ways to deal with relocation depression is to create a familiar environment, that is to surround yourself with familiar things. When packing, remember to bring all of your favorite items. Here are some ideas that may help you :

• Bedroom Setting – if possible, try to ship your bed to your new place. This can help you a lot if you are feeling lonely. If you can not bring your bed with you, then pack your linen and pillows.
• Picture Frames – This one is a must. Bring your favorite pictures with you and place them all over your new home. This can help a lot when you are missing home.
• Familiar Smells – If you have a candle you really like, make sure to bring it with you.
• Favorite Books – most of the time, books can help you escape reality. So, pack all of your favorite books, and start reading them again.

Continue with your old habits

Healthy habits will save your life. Whatever you were doing before you moved out, just keep doing it. Here, we are not talking about habits like eating in bed, those can not help you. But habits like taking a yoga class every morning or taking your kids to the park every weekend. These things can make you feel like nothing has changed. Moving to a new place is stressful and falling back on a routine will keep you grounded. If you had certain hobbies, make sure to continue doing them.

Explore your new city

You are going to be here for quite some time, so why not make the best of it. Get a city guide, or simply google interesting things about your new city. Many things will appear. See what works best for you. Or, go out of your comfort zone, and do something crazy. Feel the adrenaline rush, it will make you feel like you are on top of the world. Especially if you just moved out of your parent’s house and start living on your own.
Expose yourself to new experiences. You can go to local bars or restaurant. And do not be afraid to go there alone. Be friendly and you will definitely meet some new people. Moreover, you can take a walk through the streets and parks. Maybe now is the time to start doing something you always wanted. So start a new hobby.