|Taking on the adventure of moving to a new city, state, or even country can be exhilarating and a way to learn more about yourself. It’s also normal to experience hesitation or other negative emotions. One of the most common things a person feels when they leave home is homesickness.
You can’t catch homesickness from others and there is no vaccine against it. Homesickness is an emotional ailment that comes from being away from what is
familiar and comforting. The identifying symptoms of being homesick can be both emotional and physical and are experienced differently by everyone. The emotional symptoms of homesickness include anxiety, anger, decreased motivation, feelings of depression, difficulty staying on task, and irritability. The physical symptoms include sleeping or eating too much or too little, head and body aches, and low energy or fatigue. Please note: This guest article does not contain healthcare or therapeutic advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency. The links in this article may be affiliate links that I will be compensated for at no additional cost to you.
Coping with homesickness
It’s been reported that 50-75% of people have experienced homesickness. It’s considered a normal adjustment stage when in a new place, especially if you’re on your own. A key characteristic of homesickness is that it’s a temporary state of mind. There are many ways to cope that are often designed to help you find ways to enjoy your new home. Talk to someone about it Studies have shown that simply talking about your feelings can make you feel better. The practice is cathartic and produces relief. You’ll make connections and receive support through talking to friends and family. Stay healthy It helps to have a physical solution to help you feel in control. There is a direct link between physical and mental health, so allowing your diet or exercise to fall to the wayside can exacerbate your mental state. During the early stages of living in a new place, shopping locally for food and preparing your meals at home is a great way to pass the time and make sure you’re nourishing your body. Exercising boosts endorphins, so consider joining a gym or becoming a regular at your local park, which also opens opportunities for meeting new people. Stay connected Like most big changes, moving away from home for the first time often feels both scary and exciting. It’s normal to feel anxious at the idea of being in a new place, but with time, the excitement of living in a different location and experiencing new things will overpower your fears. There are ways to cope and make the transition easier. Stay in touch with loved ones You don’t have to brave it all alone. Modern technology like Zoom means that our people of comfort are only a phone call or video chat away. Even if you’re moving across the country, it’s often just a day’s worth of travel to fly home for a holiday or special event. You can also keep yourself connected in passive ways. Consider cooking yourself a familiar meal or watching the show you know your family is also catching up on. Decorate your new space One of the most exciting parts of being on your own is the total control you now have over your space. Finally, you can bring that Pinterest board to life. Incorporate your old belongings or sentimental trinkets into your new space to create something that is now completely yours with just a touch of home. Decorate your new space One of the most exciting parts of being on your own is the total control you now have over your space. Finally, you can bring that Pinterest board to life. Incorporate your old belongings or sentimental trinkets into your new space to create something that is now completely yours with just a touch of home.
Integrate into your new area Moving away from home can be disorienting. In a new city, you don’t know where everything is and you may rely on Google Maps for a while. Consider this a time of exploration. Try new coffee shops or gyms and find out what people do for fun in your area. There are plenty of ways to make your new city feel like home. Step outside of your comfort zone Switch up your routine a little to match where you live now, such as finding different or easier ways to commute to work. Find out what local classes may be offered, or start a new hobby or sport on the weekends. Discover ways that you can learn a new skill and join groups in the community that match your interests. Make new friends Dating apps are not just for dating anymore. Many people use Tinder to make friends, and Bumble has a BFF version of the app for platonic matches. Other great ways to meet like-minded people are attending music venues, volunteering, and looking for free clubs to join that are creative or sport based. What’s important to remember is that homesickness is normal and temporary, and there are many ways to combat negative feelings. If what you’re experiencing goes deeper than just homesickness, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A professional can give you additional support and suggestions to help you adapt to your new place. Many coping mechanisms are designed to boost your mood while simultaneously helping you grow roots and make your new place just as comforting as home. Have fun and make the most of this new adventure. -- Denisse Garcia is a Content Marketer at HireAHelper.com. When she isn't working, she enjoys reading and writing about wellness, marketing, and design. Related: 3 Creative Ways to Make a Home You Love
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