Six unexpected ways relocating impacts your physical and mental health
Since the election a fortnight ago, American searches relating to relocation have surged by 1514%, with many US citizens considering a move abroad following Donald Trump’s win. Reportedly among those citizens is talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife and actor, Portia de Rossi.
Said to have become “very disillusioned” by the result and the current climate in the US, DeGeneres is eyeing up a move to a Cotswolds property she reportedly bought prior to the election, reports TMZ.
Recently spotted hanging out at Jeremy Clarkson’s countryside pub, brushing shoulders with the likes of singer James Blunt, DeGeneres has frequented the area in the past and has friends who are settled in the south west – which will no doubt ease the couple’s transition somewhat, should they decide to take the plunge.
But when it comes to regular folk, relocating – whether that’s to a different city, town or country – can be a tumultuous process full of change, and one that takes its toll on both physical and mental health.
Six unexpected ways relocating impacts your health
Ambient air pollution and change in climate
Studies have shown that in cases where people relocate from areas with lower pollution levels to higher pollution levels, their risk of disease tends to be much higher – as is the rate of mortality. However, those who move from areas with high pollution levels to those with lower levels have not been shown to be at less of a risk of disease.
Generally speaking, in England, the levels of pollutants are much higher in urban areas than they are in rural locations. But according to the World Population Review, the United States beats the United Kingdom when it comes to air quality. In fact, people in the UK are twice as likely to die of air pollution than those in the States.
Environmental factors, like a change in climate or allergens, can further affect conditions like skin health, asthma or allergies, requiring time for adjustment.
Change in diet
There are a number of ways that your diet could be impacted by moving to a different location, including:
Access to ingredients and quality of ingredients: Depending on the climate, agricultural landscape and logistical setups of the region, your intake of and access to processed or fresh food may fluctuate. This in turn can impact your overall health, cognitive function, risk of disease and mortality.
Cooking styles: Methods of cooking have long been debated – for example, the Mediterranean diet not only consists of lots of plant-based foods, whole grains and protein, it also includes healthy fats, such as olive oil. In other cultures, it can be more common to cook with saturated fats, and to have less fruit and vegetables.
Food hygiene and sourcing: It also stands to reason that where your food comes from and how it is processed impacts your health. You may recall the chlorinated chicken debate that emerged after Brexit – and is returning to headlines now that Trump is taking up a second term. Earlier this year, there was also a reported death caused by E.coli in the UK, linked to salad used in a supermarket sandwich.
Eating schedules: Just as what we eat has been debated by scientists and experts, so has when we eat. Those moving from countries like the US and UK to Mediterranean countries like Spain and Italy, will likely find themselves having to adjust to later dinner times – with the average eating time in the region being 10-11pm.
Mental health
Dr Babak Ashrafi at Superdrug Online Doctor says mental health can also be significantly affected during a relocation. "The stress of planning, financial pressures, and adapting to an unfamiliar environment can leave you feeling overwhelmed and anxious," he says. "Leaving behind familiar support networks like friends and family may exacerbate loneliness."
Weight fluctuation
Although a lot of us consider the immediate physical impacts of moving – i.e. having to lug boxes up stairs or having to drive or fly for long periods of time – many of us often overlook the knock-on effects this has on our weight.
Dr Ashrafi explains: "Relocating itself can be physically demanding, often disrupting sleep, eating habits, and exercise routines, which may lead to short-term fatigue or changes in weight."
Other stress-related side-effects
Stress related to relocation can also contribute to physical symptoms such as hair loss, as high levels of cortisol are known to impact hair growth cycles," Dr Ashrafi adds.
So, are there any positives?
Of course, it's not all doom and gloom – otherwise people wouldn't relocate at all.
Dr Ashrafi notes that "relocating can also bring new opportunities for personal growth, stronger resilience, and fresh social connections. Taking steps to manage stress –such as maintaining routines, practising mindfulness, and seeking support – can mitigate the challenges and help smooth the physical and emotional transition."
Benefits may also include better access to healthcare, education and work, and some instances – say, for example, you move to a sunnier location – you could also be encouraged to have a much more active lifestyle.
Read more on moving house:
7 things to remember before moving house (Yahoo Finance UK, 5-min read)
My girlfriend dumped me after I moved home to care for my ill father (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
