Adulthood is full of big changes in life. You could go off to college, go on an unplanned vacation, or move to a new city for a job. While you’re thinking about the next step, moving away from home could create a variety of emotions and feelings. And you may not understand how to deal with homesickness.
You may be happy with your newfound independence or anxious about meeting new people. But you’ll surely feel homesick at certain points.
Homesickness isn’t only about missing your family, home-cooked meals, or the comfort of your bed. It’s a deep craving for the routine and comfort that you left back at home.
What is Homesickness
Homesickness happens when you’re in an unfamiliar setting, and all you want is to return to an enticing location. It’s the anxiety that results from being away from home, and it can happen regardless of age or the reason you’ve moved to a new place. A lot of people suffer from homesickness because they aren’t connected to their loved ones or the places and routines that make people feel safe and secure.
When we leave our familiar surroundings, our brains can trigger the desire to return to the things we’ve missed. However, it can be like a tidal wave at times. The feeling may come and go at times and sometimes may linger for a long period.
Symptoms of Homesickness
When you experience a feeling of homesickness, your body and brain signal you that something’s wrong. The signs aren’t always straightforward; however, knowing what signs to look for will aid in understanding your symptoms.
- Homesickness can make you feel sad without a proper reason.
- It makes it hard to focus on work or ongoing conversations.
- Constantly missing your old home.
- Feeling emotionally unwell and easily annoyed.
- Low motivation for any activity.
- Feeling lonely and hard to adjust socially.
- It can affect your appetite and sleep patterns.
- It can trigger physical symptoms like headaches, stomachache, and lethargy or may mirror the physical signs of depression.
How to Deal with Homesickness?
Homesickness is a Normal Occurrence
The feeling of being sad that you’ve left home and pondering how long the homesickness will last isn’t the best way to cope. You can let these feelings run through your head for a couple of days. The first step to feeling better is to allow yourself to feel and accept these feelings.
You’re adapting to a different environment. The new environment will eventually feel like home if given the environment a chance.
Change Your Perception
The thought of everything happening at home and not being there is normal. Instead of dwelling on the things you’re not seeing, explore opportunities that could be that are available in your new place.
If you’re a fresher in college, you should attend networking events or search for clubs that may be of interest to you. Make the move and begin an exchange. You can discuss the excitement with your old friends and family members on your next trip or via the phone while looking up.
Return to Your Routine
Start your day by establishing the same routine. You should have a schedule for breakfast, study or relaxation, and a workout that mirrors your previous routine if it’s possible. Routines can help make your new home feel more comfortable and predictable. Making a schedule for certain activities – and sticking to the timetable – will give you something to look forward to and will make your new house feel like home.
Beat Boredom
It is a good trigger for homesickness. The longer you are forced to think about your home, the more you’d like to go there. Keep yourself active and engaged by participating in an exercise class and volunteering, taking a class, or enrolling in activities in your local school. Being active and out in the community can also be a great opportunity to make new friends and get to know your local society.
Reduce Your Social Media Time
Being in contact is never easier. We can talk, text, or even chat via video for nothing. Videos and photos let us know the activities of everyone, in what order and when and it’s difficult not to be focused on the activities that are happening at home. However, ignorance of social media is a blessing. It may help if you take a break from social media. The reason you traveled abroad is to try something new in the end.
Meet New People
As more people you are acquainted with, the more likely you are to get engaged and have something to accomplish. It is typically more convenient when you’re in school or traveling with groups. Stepping into a room with strangers isn’t easy, and you’ll never know what kind of friendships you can make outside of your comfort zone.
Write in a Journal
Note down your experiences and emotions in a physical (or electronic) journal. It can help you sort through your feelings and record your improvement as you adapt to your new environment. Also, jotting down your emotions can help you rant out clean.
Practice Self-care
Positive outlooks are simpler when you create new self-care routines. Give yourself something you can look towards regardless of how little. Self-care exercises help improve mental health and help you healthily spend your time.
Exercise, sleeping enough, and consuming a healthy diet aren’t just essential for your physical health. Establishing healthy habits and taking care of yourself is crucial to safeguard your mental health, too.
Invite People to Visit
It may cost money, and you may have to make certain arrangements. However, it may aid when family members or friends come to visit you. They can tour your home, and their enthusiasm for your new place is likely to be infectious and remind you of how fortunate you are to live in your new home.
While homesickness can be a challenge, it is possible to feel better. Now you know how to deal with homesickness. Take the time to look after yourself, remain connected to your past, and take the necessary steps to create new relationships and memories.