Adapting to the pace of life in Belgium

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Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator23 August 2023 05:37:09

12362

Hello everyone,

When you move to Belgium, you may find that the pace of life is different from what you're used to. Shop opening times, working hours, sleep cycles and variations in sunlight can all have an effect on your life in Belgium as an expat and require time to adapt. This transition can be a source of surprises, adjustments and sometimes even frustration for those trying to find their balance in this new environment.

Here are a few questions to help you better understand how you manage your days in Belgium :

How have you managed to harmonise your own pace of life with the pace of life in Belgium?

Have you felt a change in your biological rhythm (diet, sleep, energy, etc.)? How can you minimise the effects on your well-being and adapt to changes in your circadian rhythm?

How have you adjusted your sleeping habits to optimise your energy and concentration in a different environment?

Shopping, meal and activity times can differ from one culture to another. How do you manage to reconcile your personal habits with those of life in Belgium? What are the benefits and challenges of these adjustments?

How do different working hours affect your productivity and quality of life? What have you done to maintain a work-life balance despite these changes?

Please feel free to share your experiences and advice on this topic.
Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

mjzk Member

Member since 07 February 2023

mjzkMember23 August 2023 06:45:35

I was suffering so much in the first year with my sleeping because of early sunlight. Then I decided to place blinds to all my windows. Now I can control in my place when does the sun goes up and down

Shop opening hours doesn't bother me much because there are Turkish markets open almost all the time. What bothers me is kitchen closing time of the restaurants. Solution is travelling often to Mediterranean countries

I had to work more than 60 hours in my home country at times. Here people respect working hours and private/work life balance. It was a change but it was also humane need to have a decent lifestyle so I adapted myself easily.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator23 August 2023 07:16:43

12362

Hey mjzk,

I want to thank you for your contribution to this discussion.

Also, I think the tips about using blinds will be incredibly helpful to those who are new to this experience.

Cheers,

Cheryl

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