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Priory Wellbeing Centre Dubai gives advice for stressed-out expats when moving abroad.
25 February 2018
| Last updated on 12 April 2018
Whether you are making a permanent move or are changing locations temporarily, moving abroad can be exciting and adventurous. However, expatriating also comes with a few challenges such as dealing with administration, a change in culture and moving away from our support network.
The additional strain on your time and emotions can cause you to feel stressed during the move. Priory Wellbeing Centre Dubai offers expert advice to help you keep this to a minimum as you embark on your new expat life.
Understanding Your Stress
Everyone reacts to stress differently. While a particular scenario could cause one person to feel stressed, another person could react in an entirely different way.
Some stress in life is necessary, as it kick-starts our ‘fight or flight response’, helping us to perform well under pressure. However, if you are finding that your stress is becoming constant and overwhelming, this may be a signal that you need to do something to combat the symptoms.
Early signs of stress can include poor sleep, tiredness and irritability. If your stress continues to build, it can affect your health and wellbeing. Rather than letting it go unrecognised and untreated, it is important to put strategies in place to change the situations that have become challenging.
SEE ALSO: Stress in Dubai: Five Ways to Reduce Your Work-Related Stress
How to Tackle Stress Healthily
Dealing with constant stress can lead people to develop unhealthy coping habits. Some people find negative ways to cope, such as eating too much food or engaging in unhealthy behaviours. However, it is important to remember that emotional distress can’t be reduced in this manner.
Instead, use coping strategies that allow you to build up good habits during the move. These can include:
- Focusing on positives and celebrating small achievements
- Letting go of your inner perfectionism – look at what really matters to you
- Taking a break from social media and not comparing yourself to others
- Organising, prioritising and setting achievable goals
- Sharing the load – allocating tasks and giving other people responsibilities
SEE ALSO: Depression in Dubai: How to Deal with Sadness that Takes Over Your Life
Take Time Out
Taking breaks away from certain environments or situations can also help you to prevent stress from building, while giving you time to rest and recuperate during this hectic time.
Take time for you by doing things that you enjoy, which can include:
It’s OK to Ask for Help
If you feel that you need help and support to overcome your stress and the impact it is having on your life, there are people that you can turn to.
Talk to someone you trust, like a friend or family member. You can also seek support from a health professional, who can advise you on useful strategies.
There is also treatment available for stress, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and one-on-one therapy, which can help you deal with stress and any associated mood and anxiety problems.
By actively taking positive steps to tackle the stress you encounter as you move abroad, you can make sure that your health and wellbeing are taken care of as you embark on your adventure.
