Homesickness is one of the most common problems to cast a shadow over the first few months abroad, but with millions moving overseas every year, there are plenty of tried and tested techniques to battle the homesick blues. Here are our top tips on how to deal with homesickness when relocating;
Be a Tourist
Remind yourself why you chose this exciting new country as your new home and get out and exploring the local sights and attractions. Not only will this help you engage with your new home and teach you about the history and culture, but it will keep you busy and soon help you forget your homesickness.
Go Outdoors
Keeping active and healthy is incredibly important when dealing with something as enormous as settling into a new home and possibly a new job as well. Getting outdoors will not only keep you fit and well but will also help you explore the distinct landscape and scenery of your surroundings. Joining a local walking or cycling club, or even an amateur sports team is a great way to make new friends too.
Go Offline (sometimes)
While social networking and online video chats are a fantastic way to keep in touch and can help you feel connected to friends and family at home, it is important to switch off occasionally and throw yourself into your ‘offline’ life. Simply chatting to neighbours, going for a walk or taking up a new hobby can help you feel more at home.
Invite Friends and Family to Visit
Planning a visit from a close friend or relative will give you something to look forward to and make you feel more connected to the old home you are missing. Being a tour guide for your guest is a great excuse to get out and about and will remind you how much you’ve learnt about your new surroundings already.
Get into a (good) Routine
If you’re wondering how to deal with homesickness when moving overseas, a good routine can create a sense of familiarity and order at a chaotic and confusing time. Find a favourite place to grab a coffee on the way to work, join a gym, sign up for a cookery class every Tuesday evening, give your week some structure and you will soon feel at home.
Connect With Fellow Expats
No matter how homesick you are feeling, remember you are not alone. Wherever in the world you find yourself, there are other people just like you finding their feet after moving from overseas. There are numerous websites and forums such as Internations and Expat Meetup to help you connect with other new arrivals. Sharing your experience and catching up with expats from your home country is one of the best ways to forget about homesickness once and for all.
