Moving to a new country can be a life-changing experience, but it doesn’t come without challenges. Once the initial excitement wears off, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and lonely as you adjust to a completely different culture.
Fortunately, there are several ways to help you adapt more quickly. With the right strategies, you can settle into your new home and actually enjoy the experience of moving abroad.
Interested in learning more? Below we are going to discuss some of the best tips for overcoming homesickness.
How to overcome homesickness when moving abroad
Do your research
One of the best steps to help you adjust to your new life is to do your research before you leave. By being prepared, you can know exactly what to expect and reduce the chance of extreme culture shock.
There are a lot of great resources out there online, so take your time to read through a few different articles. Whether you want to learn about tips for Americans in Mexico or transportation options in Germany – you’ll find exactly what you need with a quick Google search.
Connect with other people.
Loneliness is one of the biggest triggers of homesickness, and the most effective way to combat this is to socialize with other people. Make an effort to attend events and join local clubs.
These activities will help you meet people who share your interests and values. You’ll also be able to find other expats who are going through similar experiences. Their advice will be incredibly valuable.
Bring a piece of home with you.
Just because you are leaving your country, doesn’t mean you have to forget it entirely! To create a familiar environment, bring something that reminds you of your home.
Photographs are great, but you can also decorate with souvenirs and sentimental objects too. If you would rather not take additional luggage, listen to music or watch movies that remind you of your childhood. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference.
Explore your new environment.
Another great way to overcome homesickness is to embrace your new environment and discover new things. Use your free time to explore the neighborhood, city, and region.
You might visit museums, parks, restaurants, and markets that you haven’t seen before. You can also learn the language, culture, and history. It will keep your mind occupied and you’ll become more confident each time you get out of the house.
Don’t neglect your physical and mental health.
We all get stressed at times, and moving abroad can certainly trigger anxiety. But this can affect your physical and mental health, so it’s important that you’re careful.
To avoid feeling sick or strained, take care of your body and mind. Healthy and nutritious food, exercise, and sleep will give you the energy and fuel you need to succeed.
If you are still struggling, seek professional help from someone you trust. Your well-being should be your top priority.
Maintain familiar routines.
Your daily routine can be a source of comfort when you’re missing home. So, while it can be difficult, try to maintain your existing schedule. For instance, you might:
– Wake up at the same time each day.
– Exercise the same as you did before.
– Find time for your favorite hobbies.
– Eat similar food.
By having a sense of structure, you’ll feel more grounded and less disoriented. Of course, you may need to make some changes as time passes but tackle one thing at a time.
Reach out to your loved ones back home.
Above we talked about forming relationships and making new friends, but don’t forget to stay connected with your loved ones back home. They will miss you just as much as you miss them!
Use social media, video calls, and write letters. You can also plan to visit them during the holidays or invite them to come and stay with you. It’s still essential to include them in your life, even though it might be difficult.
Be patient and kind to yourself.
Finally, one of the most crucial tips is to be patient and kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel homesick from time to time and you should never feel ashamed! Share your thoughts, practice self-care, and know that you’re not alone.
By taking care of yourself, you’ll feel more resilient and will find different methods that work best for you. You’ve got this!
Final Words
While it can be hard, overcoming homesickness when moving abroad is possible. By following the tips above, you can take advantage of the new opportunities and adventures that are right in front of you.
Remember, the key is to embrace your new home as much as possible. The more you learn and discover, the easier it will be to settle in and really feel like a “local”. Good luck!
