As a move approaches, you have less time to worry about things like exercising and cooking healthy meals. You might notice you increasingly rely on takeout or snack your way through the day. All the stress typically associated with moving can also wear down your body and make you susceptible to illness. Use these tips to keep your body healthy during a move.
Sleep
It’s tough. You have a house full of belongings that need packed. You’re trying to work or wrap up your duties if the move means you’re taking on a new job. But you have to sleep. If you stay up late packing, you’ll feel exhausted and your productivity will decrease the next day. Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep on your health.
Plan
Having a moving plan can reduce your stress load. Make a timeline so you know what to do when. Checklists help you remember everything and can make you feel better about the move, which helps minimize stress. Planning also makes it so you aren’t trying to squeeze everything in at the last minute.
Eat
I was guilty of letting my eating habits slide as the move approached. We ate out way too much in the week before the move because I didn’t feel like I had the time or energy to cook. Don’t let yourself fall into the same trap. Plan a menu for every meal right up to the day you move. Buy only the ingredients you need for those meals so you don’t have a lot of extra food to pack.
Give yourself an even bigger advantage by doing some of the meal prep a few weeks before the move. Cook extra meals and toss them in the freezer. When you’re a few days from the move and on stress overload, pop one of the frozen meals into the oven for a hot dinner without any work.
Don’t forget to keep healthy snacks and drinks on hand. As you get busier with the move, you’ll likely have less time to sit down or make snacks. Have quick snacks, such as nuts, fruit and vegetables that are already washed and cut, ready to go.
Stress Less
You can’t avoid the stress that comes with moving, but learning to control it can improve your health during the move. Walk away from packing if you start feeling overwhelmed. Take deep breaths. Repeat a mantra. Remind yourself that the move is going to happen and it will all work out so there is no reason to stress. If you find yourself emotional or over stressed, turn to a friend to talk you through it.
Move Your Body
All of the packing and lifting makes you feel like you’ve had a major workout, but that doesn’t mean you should skip your regular workouts. Even though you’re busier than normal, carving out time for exercise can help you clear your mind and keep your body healthy.
Avoid Germs
An illness can put a damper on your moving plans. Taking care of your body keeps your immunity strong, but you should also try to avoid germs when possible. Stay away from people who are sick. Wash your hands often to reduce the chance of getting sick.
