Moving is easily one of the most stressful life events. It is a physically demanding and emotionally exhausting process that requires a great deal of energy, effort, and patience. With so much to get done, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. Whether you are doing everything yourself or delegating tasks, it can still take a mental and physical toll on your body. That’s why it is so important to look after your self-care during a move. Here are some helpful strategies that can help you care for yourself and reduce stress during your move.

1. Make time for yourself each morning.

When you are in the middle of a move, it’s easy to wake up each morning thinking about all the things you have to get done that day. This can cause stress and anxiety right out of the gate. Instead of jumping right into your day, allow yourself a little time to collect your thoughts and make a plan for the day. Try waking up about 30 minutes earlier and spend that time relaxing with a cup of coffee, reading the paper, taking a short walk or just enjoying your morning. This will help you start the day off with a clear and focused mindset.

2.   Create a schedule.

Having a schedule is crucial to staying organized and having a less stressful moving experience. Spend some time creating a daily schedule that includes tasks that need to be completed that day. Not only will this help your move stay on track, but it will also alleviate a great deal of stress knowing that you have a plan.

3. Plan your meals in advance.

When you have so many things to do, the last thing on your mind is thinking about meals. It can be even more overwhelming when you don’t have much time to cook. However, it’s not healthy to eat fast food every day and skipping meals is certainly not good for you. Each week, spend one day meal planning and shopping for ingredients. Prep your food in advance and put it in labeled containers. Then you can simply grab a healthy meal on the go throughout the week.

4. Exercise.

When we exercise, our bodies release endorphins that naturally boost our mood. Exercise can also be a great way to blow off some steam and decompress during the stress of a move. Whether you prefer to go for a jog, a walk, a yoga class, or even weightlifting, simply finding time to exercise can be a great way to reduce stress and care for your body at the same time.

5. Take baths.

Moving can be a very strenuous and physically demanding process so take a little time to care for your body. Light some candles, put on some relaxing music, and soak your muscles. This can help relieve any soreness and can help your body recover from a long, physical day.

6. Do some yoga and deep breathing.

Yoga is an ancient healing remedy that can help relax the mind and body. This can be a great way to wind down and decompress from the stress of your move. In addition, take some time to breathe deeply. Instead of rushing from one task to the next, take a few minutes throughout the day to stop and breathe. Taking these short breaks can help you feel less frenzied and can help you remain focused on the task at hand.

7. Get outside.

Nothing relaxes your mind and body quite like some fresh air. Allow a few minutes each day to stop working and spend a few minutes outside. You might enjoy going for a walk, reading a book outside, or simply relaxing on the porch, but getting outdoors can help replenish your energy and minimize stress.

8. Block out some down time.

While it can be tempting to just go, go, go until you get everything done, it’s important to remember to schedule breaks for yourself each day. Make a little time each day for things you enjoy like reading, taking a walk, watching a movie, or spending time with friends and family. Just because you are moving doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy time for yourself.