10 Psychological Benefits to Moving
By: Christine Hammond LMHC
Sorting, packing, transporting, unpacking, and organizing
all belongings can be a daunting task. The process takes much longer than
anticipated as decisions about the status of each item can be made several
times before finalizing. It drains mental, emotional and of course physical
energy leaving a person exhausted.
Most moves are predicated by some necessity in life such as a
change in family size, new vocational opportunity, or an investment
possibility. While the task of moving is tedious, there are also some psychological
benefits.
1.
Simplifies
life. The end goal of a move is to simplify life in some manner.
Whether it is to move closer to work, family, school, or neighborhood, the idea
is that life will be easier in some fashion. This type of streamlining can
reduce tension and stress.
2.
Role
shifts. New environments generate an opportunity to adjust and
eliminate old and unwanted roles. This is a chance to branch out and become a
better version of self without the construction of a former atmosphere.
3.
Boundary
setting. A fresh start is the perfect time to erect boundaries.
Think of a boundary as a fence around a yard. It simultaneously protects things
on the inside of the fence while keeping unwanted items outside. This is a
chance to eliminate unhealthy relationships and tasks.
4.
Reset
expectations. Use past experiences to reset reasonable time
expectations with additional time added for emergencies. Moves tend to take
much longer than desired but there should still be an end time that everyone is
in agreement about achieving.
5.
Team
effort. Moving is a group effort as many items require more than
one person to handle. Whether the help is a professional mover, friends
returning a favor, or family members, the coordination of people, time, and
things can expand team working skills.
6.
Hard
work. Rearranging, transporting, and redistributing items are
hard work. There is a requirement of mental, emotional and physical strength
that is often depleted during the process. In the end, there is a sense of
accomplishment and pride when the work is complete.
7.
Hoarding
prevention. Things can be sorted through at least two
times. One during the packing and the other when the item is placed in the new
home. There are three decision choices: to keep, to give away or to discard.
This ritual can prevent hoarding.
8.
Design
change. The new arrangement of furniture and things creates an
opportunity to reorganize, generate a new pattern, and adjust tired structures.
A design change in a new environment can be stimulating.
9.
Color
theory. Different colors evoke diverse emotions in people. This
change is a great time to experiment with a color choice that brings feelings
happiness, tranquility, or excitement. If the color doesn’t put a smile on the
face of a person, try eliminating it from a room.
10. Rest required. There
is nothing like a move to remind a person of the need for additional rest. Taking
time out to enjoy the new surroundings in the midst of chaos is helpful. It is
a good reminder of the natural need for unplugging on occasion.
A move might not feel physiologically beneficial in the moment, but with a few good intentions, the rewards become
clear.
To schedule an
appointment with Christine Hammond, please call our office at 407-647-7005.
