Why new beginnings make us scared.
As a military family, we're no strangers to moving. In fact, this move to Germany will be our 10th move. You'd think that after so many moves, we'd be used to it by now, but the truth is, I still get anxious every time we have to pack up and start over again.
This time around, we're packing our SUV with our essential personal belongings - our twin tweens, our clothes, our 70lb dog, and of course, my gin. 🍸 As we make our way from Italy to Germany, I can't help but feel anxious about what lies ahead.
There's so much that we can't control, like our housing options. Until we arrive, we can’t be sure if we will be assigned base housing or if we’ll be able to live out in the economy. It certainly doesn’t make planning ahead easy to do.
On top of the usual stressors that come with a military PCS, I am also trying to grow my coaching practice during this move. As a coach, I work with women who have professional dreams and have been holding themselves back by putting others’ needs before their own. I help them overcome self-doubt and build the unshakable confidence they need to achieve their goals.
And yet, here I am, feeling the same way during this move. My anxiety can easily seep into other areas of my life, making it difficult to focus on my goals and stay motivated.
Dealing with anxiety during a move can be challenging, but I've found a few things that have helped over the years. Here are some options for dealing with stress during a military PCS:
Clear the clutter: Have you ever noticed that it's hard to concentrate when you have a cluttered space? Same thing with clutter in your brain. When things feel chaotic, it can be helpful to create a clear plan to help you feel more organized and in control. Getting everything out of my brain and onto paper helps me feel in control (even when I know the Navy is secretly laughing at my “plans”⚓🤣 ). Sometimes it’s in the form of a list, and other times it’s a journal. The key is to get it out of your brain and onto paper so you can let go and clear the clutter.
Take care of yourself: It's easy to get caught up in the stress of a move and neglect your own self-care. Make sure to eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. Take breaks when you need them, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. When my anxiety is through the roof, I find it challenging to get motivated to even go for a walk. But I remind myself that it will be a great way to relax.
Connect with others: Moving can be isolating, but staying connected is important during this time. Reach out to friends and family for support, and connect with other military families who have gone through similar experiences. Join online support groups or attend in-person events to meet new people and build a sense of community.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Take a few moments each day to practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the future. By practicing mindfulness, you'll feel more centered and calm.
As we make our way to Germany, I'm reminding myself to take things one step at a time. I'm anxious about what lies ahead but also excited about the new adventures and opportunities that await us. With a bit of planning and self-care, we can make this move a success.
As a thank you for your support, I’m offering a free Journal for Confidence activity I created. I hope you find it helpful. I’d love to hear what you think!
