Expat life is professionally and personally rewarding, but it can also be emotionally overwhelming. Homesickness is a feeling of anxiety and distress, which can stop you from making the most of your experience abroad. It is important to understand that feeling lonely, confused, and unable to adjust to the new lifestyle and environment is normal. However, the symptoms of missing home, along with the security and the routine that come with it should not be ignored or suppressed because they will devalue your expat project. We give you nine tips to overcome homesickness and start enjoying a fulfilling life abroad.
See the big picture
You may have moved to a new country for the development of your career, because you decided to follow your partner, or because you are a digital nomad, who cannot stop moving. Whatever the reason is, every time homesickness knocks on your door, try to remember why you are here at first place, the things that keep you going, and what you are getting out of this experience — bigger salary, international networking, personal growth, etc.
Dare to explore
Now and then you have to spice your expat life up by seeing your host country not with the eyes of someone who has left everything behind and made sacrifices to be here, but with the eyes of an avid traveller, who wishes to explore their surroundings. Take a day to walk around a neighbourhood you haven't been before, interact with the local people in a meaningful way, do your shopping from a different place, or even book yourself a tourist activity.
Immerse yourself in the local cuisine
Reportedly, one of the most common things that a homesick person misses from their home country is the food. Food is associated with the smells of home, celebrations, social events, and the people we miss the most. You will make an important step if you start trying the local dishes, decide on your favourites, and add them to your daily diet. By immersing yourself in the local cuisine, you will find out that you are letting yourself understand and appreciate the culture and the people of your host country.
Create a home
Probably, the worst thing that you could do to yourself is refusing to settle. Have you arrived a month ago but you are still picking your clothes from your suitcase on the floor next to your bed? This is a big no-no if you wish to overcome homesickness because you are practically preventing yourself from feeling rooted. A good alternative is to make your new place home, regardless of how long you are here for and how small or big, old or new, bright or dark, it is. Display your personal items including pictures of your loved ones, put your favourite books on the bookcase, and if needed head to the closest homeware store to purchase a couple of things that will make it more comfortable and familiar.
Start a blog
Writing can have a therapeutic power, and the bright side is that you don't have to be a talented writer to enjoy its benefits. Sometimes, emotions and feelings pile up in our mind, and it's impossible to understand, let alone manage them. However, when you put them down in an orderly manner, you may realise what is that you are missing the most, and what you can do about it. You can write in your diary, but you can also start an expat blog, which will keep you connected with your family and friends back home. With time, we bet that you will see your blogs becoming more cheerful, and the list of the things that you like about your host country longer.
Have something to be looking forward to
To keep going with your day to day life, it is important to have something to be looking forward to. For example, you can plan well in advance your next trip back home, or you can organise with a friend or family member their visit to your new country. The latter will also give you a good reason to get to know your surroundings, find the best coffee shops and restaurants, discover hidden gems and local markets, so that you can show your guests. Also, knowing that you are having guests will motivate you to make your home nice and cosy for them to enjoy.
Keep yourself busy
A good practice to overcome homesickness, or not bother too much with it, is to be healthy and active. Do the things that you used to do back home, such as going to the gym or taking long walks in nature, but also add new activities, which you have probably always wanted to start but never had the chance. You won't only fill your brain with endorphins, which are responsible for happiness, but you will challenge yourself and be energised by your achievements. Another idea is to learn the language of your host country, which will boost your confidence when completing daily tasks.
Don't let homesickness become normal
It's alright to reminisce home and feel nostalgic from time to time, but don't let this state of mind become the norm, as you will quickly find yourself in a vicious circle of sadness, indifference, and laziness. Follow a productive and balanced routine, which includes work, entertainment, exercise, and socialising, and live in the present — often, by thinking of the past, we tend to miss the opportunities that are currently available.
Express how you feel
Homesickness and its symptoms are common among expats. You aren't alone in this, and there are probably many people around you who can help you overcome it, or at least deal with it — as long as you let them know. Open up to other expats or see a specialist if the feelings are unbearable and persistent, and tell your family how much you miss them and appreciate them for being in your life.
Have you dealt with homesickness during your expat life? How did you overcome it? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
