Relocating for a New Job
A new job is often a life-changing experience that can provide you with opportunities to learn, grow and expand your horizons. According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, making a move might also be an opportunity to improve your health or relieve stress by taking care of yourself.
According to Dr. Sudberg’s research, moving is associated with improved mental health, which benefits physical health indicators such as pain levels and weight loss. He also found it can have beneficial effects on physical ailments like skin problems and heart disease that are exacerbated by the stresses of city living.” This proves that people should stop looking at moving as a negative. Sometimes it’s a benefit to both their mental and physical health,” says Dr. Sudberg.
These findings align with other research and common sense, says Dr. Sudberg. “People are living longer these days, and if they can find a way to reduce the stress of their lives, then great. You should go for it if you’re moving to a new place with new opportunities and better physical health.” Dr. Sudberg adds that being closer to nature can improve your mental well-being.
Furthermore, according to Dr. Sudberg, people can change their personalities depending on where they move, another benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked. “We’ve found through extensive research that people become more like the people around them,” he says. “So going to a new place where you’re meeting all sorts of people makes you more like them because people, in general, tend to mirror one another.”
With all this being said, it also makes sense that different types of cities are more conducive to one’s health and happiness. Dr. Sudberg and colleagues have found that “suburban areas tend to have the lowest levels of psychological distress,” so if you’re heading home in the next few months, consider these health and lifestyle benefits before making any decisions.
“People move from one place to another because they have something to look forward to,” says Dr. Jordan Sudberg, “it doesn’t mean you need to lock yourself away in a room and stare at the walls.”
To improve your mental health while making a move, Dr. Sudberg advises people to try doing something new. “Find a new and different hobby, even if it’s a little weird. Go out there, find something that interests you, and start doing it. If you’re looking at moving, I will try to do something new and different.”
Dr. Sudberg says this is the easiest and most effective lifestyle change you can make. “There are few things that change life more than finding a new hobby or starting something you’ve always wanted to do,” he says. “Try to find something new and interesting that you’re interested in because once you start doing it, you’ll be much happier.”
Dr. Sudberg recommends new hobbies for relocating for a few reasons. Being in a place where you’re missing out on something familiar to you can cause frustration and even depression, so looking forward to something new can help ease this tension. “Moving is stressful, and missing out on somewhere you’re used to can make you very depressed,” he says. “If you already have something new and exciting, it won’t seem nearly as bad.”
A new job is often a life-changing experience that can provide you with opportunities to learn, grow and expand your horizons. According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, making a move might also be an opportunity to improve your health or relieve stress by taking care of yourself.