Living abroad might be one of the most exciting and memorable times in your life. It is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and grow. Whether you are a student on an Erasmus program, just accepted a job in a new country, or moving abroad in general, the feeling of homesickness is inevitable for many expats. Homesickness is defined as a feeling of longing for one's home during a period of absence from it. When you are living in a new country, all the changes can be uncomfortable and cause you to miss the familiarity of your home culture, friends and family. Here are some tips to help you deal with feelings of homesickness when living your best life abroad.
Find Familiarity
Although your new life is exciting, it’s common to miss what you are used to. It might take time, but finding replacements to the things you miss is possible. You might be craving a particular dish or brand but maybe there is a similar substitute right around the corner. Finding alternatives for familiar comfort items will help you feel more at home. Maybe it’s possible to find the things you miss from home in your new country. If not, maybe you can ask a loved one at home to send you some of the things you miss. Decorate your room to make it more comfortable. Going out and making friends who have the same interests as you will help as well. Not sure where to start? Download UNBLND to find likeminded people near you. Learning the local language will help as well. Finding familiarity will help you create a home away from home.
Have a Routine
One way to feel more positive and motivated is to create routines. Having morning, evening, and weekly routines will help you feel more comfortable in your new, unfamiliar environment. A weekly cleaning routine, a workout routine, or a meal plan will help you be more energized and less overwhelmed about managing all the new changes.
Start New Hobbies
There’s no better time to start new hobbies than when you are in a new environment. Trying new things will help you enjoy your time abroad and help you make friends. From online classes to in person workshops, there’s something waiting for you. To find people with the same hobbies as you, download Unblnd.
Keep in Touch
It’s important to keep in touch with people back home but finding a healthy balance is crucial. Now is the time to live in the moment as there is so much to experience in your new home. Video chatting loved ones all day long might be comfortable, but by staying in your comfort zone you’ll miss out on all the excitement and growth opportunities. Maybe setting aside time in your routine to connect with friends and family back home will help you be intentional and keep your time organized. By finding a happy medium for keeping in touch, you can have the best of both worlds.
Make a Bucket List
There are so many things to discover and experience while you are living abroad. Making a bucket list will help you have things to look forward to when feelings of homesickness arise. When you have free time, consult your list and make a plan to make it happen. Soon you’ll feel great about accomplishing your goals and will be more comfortable in your new environment. Do a little internet research and see what’s possible. Have a long weekend? Maybe theres a cheap flight to a bucket list destination. Want to experience a new event? Book the tickets. The more the you experience, the more you’ll find that the world is a lot smaller than you think and people all over have more in common than you realize.
Conclusion
It’s normal to feel homesick when you start to live abroad no matter how exciting the experience is. It’s a big transition no matter where you are from or how old you are. Remember to give yourself grace and allow room for an adjustment period. This might look different for everyone but homesickness is a natural emotion and something that you are not alone in. Finding people who relate to you is a good place to start.
