Q. My wife and I just sold our home and moved into a retirement community. At first, I was excited about our new place, but I haven’t really been feeling like myself since we moved. Do you have any tips on managing this change?
A. Moving to a new home is the beginning of a new chapter. It can be very exciting, but it can also be very stressful. If you had lived in your previous home for a long time, it can feel like you are leaving memories behind. A new community brings unfamiliar faces and new routines, which can also stir up all sorts of emotions. The good news is, there are lots of different ways to manage the stress that comes with a big transition. As we close out National Stress Awareness Month, here are a few things that might help you restore your balance:
Talk about it: It’s okay to grieve what you’ve left behind – even if you are excited about where you are going. Talk with friends and family about how you are feeling.
Establish new routines: Routines offer structure and predictability, which can help you to feel more relaxed. Whether it’s a morning walk around your new neighborhood or a regular coffee date with a friend, routines can help ground you.
Find your people: Get involved in your new community at your own pace. Try to participate in activities and events that will help you to meet people. But it’s okay to start small. Give yourself permission to ease into the social scene.
Nourish your body: Try to eat a healthy diet, maintain a good sleep routine, and get some exercise. Maintaining healthy habits can help you reduce stress. If you are looking for ideas on how to get started with an exercise routine or a healthier diet, AgeSpan’s Healthy Living Center of Excellence offers programs and workshops that can help you take charge of your health. For more information, give us a call at 978-946-1338.
Give yourself time: Moving to a retirement community is a big life transition. Be patient with yourself. Like any change, it will take some time to feel at home.
I wish you all the best in your new home. I hope this new chapter brings you many opportunities to make new happy memories.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
