We get it. Relocating is a hassle. We’re all creatures of habit, and once we firmly plant our roots, it can be a challenge to transplant somewhere new and feel right at home.
Having to relocate during these uncertain times is no walk in the park. According to a recent survey, more than half of new immigrants’ mental health has worsened since the start of physical distancing practices. In a Canadian study on mental health, 52% of participants reported that their mental wellness was either “somewhat worse” or “much worse.”
Bottom line: the world is coping with stress overload. These days, moving is a much heavier endeavour (on top of all the boxes).
If you recently moved to Canada or a different province, or were displaced because of the pandemic, your stress level probably sky-rocketed. The pressures of finding a house, applying for a new job, learning a new language, or acclimatizing to a different culture all stack up. On top of this, we’re adapting to ever-evolving COVID-19 restrictions…
If you find yourself under moving stress, here are some tips for moving forward and thriving in a new place, despite what 2020 has thrown our way.
1. Feel at Home with Newcomer Support
Have no clue where to start? Breathe easy. There are abundant resources and free programs at your fingertips to get you going. For example, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a fantastic federal resource if you are looking for settlement, work and study opportunities. Check the sections on how to prepare and begin your life here as a starting point.
If you prefer in-person (or virtual) support, each province also offers newcomer services, including career workshops, training sessions, and family care, like CCIS Alberta. Look up what services are available near you and stop by to see how they can assist you.
Don’t forget to tap into your community centres, local newspapers, and publications to stay in the loop about neighbourhood activities and job listings in your area.
2. Find Your Tribe
Physical distancing has dramatically interrupted our social lives (we could all use a hug from our peeps daily, right?). Yet, thanks to the internet powers that be, we can still build our own online support squad from the comfort of our couch.
- If you’re seeking people with the same cultural background: browse cultural-based Facebook groups or pages to find common ground and gain a piece of home away from home.
- If you have time to give back: visit Volunteer Canada for ongoing opportunities during the pandemic. Writing cards for seniors, mentoring youth about music, or sewing masks for indigenous communities are just a few of the many meaningful initiatives out there.
- If you consider yourself a bookworm: find an online book club, access eBooks or paperbacks from your public library, and chat with other readers about your latest reads.
- If you’re a lover of fitness: Join an online fitness community like MyFitnessPal, BodySpace, or Strava to share your activity, progress and goals with other movement enthusiasts.
- If you’re into yoga and meditation: Connect with others about life on and off the mat in a safe space like the FWFG Kula by Yoga With Adriene.
Being part of something bigger than yourself, sharing your story and giving back will open your heart to new experiences and boost your sense of belonging. And how precious is it to belong, eh?
3. Become Your Very Best Ned Flanders
Embodying our “diddly” Springfield fellow will go a long way when resettling. Introduce yourself to your neighbours, join your community association and attend local meetups (most of them now done virtually to ensure everyone’s safety).
Some areas organize running or biking clubs, which may thankfully still happen during the pandemic. Of course, be a good neighbour and follow your province’s COVID-19 guidelines.
4. Walk, Bike, Smell & Listen
Even if you own a car, make it a point to walk or bike around town to take it all in. Keep an eye out for street names, absorb the smells, hear the sounds. Turn this explorative process into a conscious sensory experience and get to know your surroundings.
After a while, you’ll source the best route to that cozy coffee shop, find your favourite nearby park for an afternoon run, or locate the closest post office to mail care packages to your friends and fam.
You might feel like a tourist at first, but hitting the pavement regularly will encourage you to connect with those little things that shape new lovely routines.
5. Bundle Up & Go Outside…Even if it Feels Like the North Pole
The everlasting ode to getting outside. Take advantage of our mountains, forests, and trails, regardless of the occasional -20 to -30 degree days (brrrisk).
If it’s too cold, bundle up with the proper outdoor base layers and brave the weather. Embracing the outdoors will ground you, bringing much-needed peace and stillness.
Check the All Trails app to prepare for your next adventure and commit to social distancing so we can continue to keep our paths safe.
Pro Tip: While you are out there, take a pause and meditate among nature for some added bliss.
6. Get Ready: Seasonal Affective Disorder is Real
Yes, winter is upon us, and it may bring its SAD companion along. Approximately 2 to 3% of Canadians are expected to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in their lifetime, a form of depression that appears to be linked with limited sunlight exposure, particularly during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere.
Although getting out of your new digs (and out of bed for that matter) might be tough, preventing SAD will give you the tools to navigate these chilly months. Try taking a Vitamin D supplement, going out for walks, exercising regularly and doing at least 15 minutes of light therapy every day. Most importantly, seek professional help if required.
7. Reach Out When You Need a Hand
Which brings us here. We know you are a strong and capable human, but if you are struggling with stress, be open to welcoming your vulnerability and asking for help. Be it other diddly neighbours, new friends, community members or a counsellor. You’d be surprised by the number of kind spirits who are more than happy to lend a hand. We might feel isolated at times, yet we are not alone.
You got this.
Visit the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Canadian Mental Health Association for more information.
