How to De-Stress While Flat Hunting
Flat hunting is, unarguably, one of the most stressful parts of life. Traipsing between letting agents and viewings, endless scrolling on property websites through tiny box rooms and ‘studios’ where the toilet is in the living room, and wondering why half a month’s salary in rent won’t get you past Zone 2 – the flat search takes its toll both mentally and physically. It’s important to look after your health while in this stressful limbo period, so here’s a list of some of the best ways to take care of yourself and stay sane while you look for your dream home.
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Exercise, exercise, exercise
Yes, this is the number one cliche anti-stress recommendation, from PE teachers back in the day to fitness YouTube tutorials. It is scientifically proven, however, that the mental benefits of aerobic exercise have a neurochemical basis, and that exercise reduces stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol while stimulating the production of endorphins. We’re not talking a marathon every week, but going for a walk or jog around the park, or playing a game of badminton with a friend will help clear your mind of those intrusive worries and help you focus on the bigger picture – that finding a flat is an exciting opportunity, not just a chore!
Spa day!
Sometimes it takes a little bit extra to really relax. This is where the spa day comes in – a great excuse to lounge about in a robe all day with your best friend, letting your flat-hunting worries rise away with the sauna steam and leaving stress in the depths of the plunge pool. Plus, it’s so easy to book the perfect spa day online with Treatwell – you could have the luxury day of your dreams sorted in just a few clicks on their app. The last thing you need is to trawl through spa websites after a day of scouring rental ads, so Treatwell is the perfect solution.
Clear your mind while clearing your possessions
While Marie Kondo is kind of frustrating, being all over your Netflix asking if various screwed up t-shirts at the back of your drawer “spark joy,” hers is quite a useful philosophy to apply to all areas of your life. Decluttering your belongings is an important part of the moving process, particularly if you’re downsizing or keep finding flats with next-to-no storage. But, also clearing your mind of unhelpful thoughts is integral to keeping your priorities straight while flat-hunting. With so many different apartments, letting agencies, flatmates, locations and budgets buzzing round your brain, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Practicing meditation is an effective way to clear your mind: observing the thought but not engaging with it allows you to prioritise your thinking and stop fixating on unnecessary stress.
Don’t forget your hobbies
When your days are filled with work and evenings consumed by flat viewings, it’s easy to lose sight of what you really enjoy. However you like to unwind, it’s important to do more of what makes you happy: whether that’s curling up with a decent book, playing a few hours of Playstation or listening to some new albums, take some time for yourself and indulge in a personal pastime.
Refresh your look
A new flat is an occasion to be marked with a new hairstyle, surely? There’s no better excuse to treat yourself to a fresh trim or extravagant blow dry than finding a new home. If you’re looking for a place to get your hair done, Treatwell is a great tool to find a salon that suits your style and your budget. Filter the search to your location, check out reviews, photos, treatment descriptions and prices all within the app, before booking an appointment without having to pick up the phone. You’ll be feeling fresh and confident, ready to take on the move.
Sleep…
An obvious but important one. If you’re not finding time to catch some quality z’s between working and flat-hunting, you’re not going to be at your full potential. Brain fog, anxiety, increased caffeine intake and a spike in stress hormones all mean that taking on your daily tasks will become even more difficult. If dozing off is causing you trouble, try a soothing Spotify playlist or podcast, a calming scented candle, limiting screen time before bed, or reducing caffeine late in the day. Or, why not treat yourself to a relaxing facial or massage in the evening to help you wind down? In true British fashion I find a cup of herbal tea, preferably containing Valerian root, the perfect antidote to a stressful day before getting a good night’s sleep.
What this all boils down to is taking some time for yourself to reduce the load and relax, ensuring you don’t burn out while looking for a flat. The less stress you’re carrying the more likely it is that you’ll make rational decisions and end up with an apartment and flatmates you really want, rather than settling because you’re fed up with the process. Treat yourself well – don’t let the rental market claim another frazzled victim!
