Moving Abroad: 5 Ways to Deal with Homesickness
Homesickness is a common and normal feeling that many people experience when they are away from their familiar surroundings and loved ones. It can cause emotional and physical distress, such as sadness, anxiety, irritability, headaches, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Homesickness can affect anyone, whether they are studying abroad, traveling for work, or moving to a new city.
However, homesickness does not have to ruin your experience of living in a different place. There are some effective strategies that can help you cope with homesickness and enjoy your new environment.
1. Acknowledge and accept your feelings
The first step to dealing with homesickness is to acknowledge and accept your feelings. Don't try to suppress or deny them, as this can make them worse. Instead, allow yourself to feel homesick for a while and understand that it is a natural reaction to change. You are not weak or abnormal for missing your home and your loved ones. In fact, homesickness shows that you have strong attachments and values that are important to you.
2. Stay in touch with your family and friends
One of the best ways to cope with homesickness is to stay in touch with your family and friends from home. Thanks to technology, you can easily communicate with them through phone calls, video chats, emails, or social media. Hearing their voices and seeing their faces can make you feel less lonely and more connected. However, be careful not to overdo it, as this can prevent you from adjusting to your new environment and making new friends. Try to find a balance between keeping in touch with your old contacts and reaching out to new ones.
3. Explore your new area
Another way to deal with homesickness is to explore your new area and discover its attractions and opportunities. Instead of staying in your room and dwelling on what you miss from home, go out and see what your new place has to offer. You can visit museums, parks, restaurants, shops, or other places of interest. You can also join clubs, activities, or events that match your hobbies and passions. By doing so, you will not only distract yourself from your homesickness, but also enrich your experience and learn more about the culture and people of your new location.
4. Bring some home comforts with you
A simple but effective way to cope with homesickness is to bring some home comforts with you. These can be anything that reminds you of home and makes you feel happy and secure, such as photos, souvenirs, books, music, or even food. Having these items around you can help you create a cozy and familiar atmosphere in your new space. You can also decorate your room or apartment with things that reflect your personality and style.
5. Seek professional help if needed
Sometimes, homesickness can be so severe or persistent that it interferes with your daily functioning and well-being. If you find yourself feeling depressed, anxious, isolated, or hopeless for a long time, you may need professional help. There is nothing wrong or shameful about seeking therapy or counseling if you are struggling with homesickness. A therapist can help you understand the causes and effects of your homesickness, provide emotional support and guidance, and teach you coping skills and strategies to overcome it.
Homesickness is a normal and common challenge that many people face when they are away from home. However, it does not have to stop you from enjoying your new life and opportunities.
