Moving to a new country is such an exciting adventure and you look forward to new experiences, meet new people and find new opportunities. You will grow as a person and learn new things about yourself. Of course, there will be an adjustment period to unfamiliar surroundings, routines and culture. One of the most common and challenging emotions people face in these situations is homesickness. Whether you are planning on being here for 6 months or 2 years, it is perfectly natural to miss loved ones, your hometown and comforts of the familiar.
If you have recently moved to the UK or are about to move and you are worried about feeling homesick, you are not alone. The good news is that there are so many things you can do to manage homesickness and create a positive life in your new home. Here’s how you can cope:
Acknowledge your feelings
The first step to helping yourself overcoming homesickness is acknowledging that you are homesick. It is so easy to push your emotions to the side, thinking that you should just “get over it”, but that approach doesn’t always work. It is perfectly okay to feel sad or disconnected, especially when you are so far away from home.
Remember that homesickness is a normal part of the adaption process, and many other individuals experience it. By accepting your feelings rather than denying them, you can begin to process and deal with them in a healthy way.
Stay connected with Loved ones
Thanks to modern technology it is much easier to stay connected with friends and family from back home. Thanks to video calls, instant messaging and social media, you can bridge the distance virtually. Regular calls or video chats with friends and family from home can provide comfort and help you feel more supported.
However, while keeping in touch with family is comforting, try not to overdo it. Being in constant contact with those back home may make it harder to adapt to your new life. Find a balance that works for you – maybe schedule calls once or twice a week as well as focusing on new connections in the UK.
Create a sense of home in the UK
One of the biggest factors that contribute to homesickness is feeling “out of place”. To counteract this, try to create a space that feels like home to you. Decorate your new living space with things that bring you comfort, such as photos, keepsakes or even familiar scents. This can help with easing the transition and help you feel more grounded and comfortable in your new environment.
Try to also take the time to explore your new city/town and the area that you are living in. Find local spots near you that either remind you of home or somewhere that will make you feel comfortable, welcome and connected to your new home.
Learn about the UK culture and embrace new experiences
By understanding and embracing the culture of your new home, it can allow you to feel more integrated and less isolated. Take the time to learn about British customs, traditions and social norms and try to immerse yourself in local activities. Whether it’s going to a pub, watching a local football match or attending a community event, connecting yourself with British culture can be both enriching and distracting in the best way possible.
Additionally, try to find a sense of community with other who have also moved to the UK from overseas. There are plenty of expat groups and social clubs in the UK where you can meet people from your home country or other places, creating a network of support and friendship.
Create a routine and build stability
Homesickness can often come about when you feel out of control of uncertainty. Creating and establishing a routine can provide a sense of structure and comfort. Whether it’s regular work hours, exercise, or personal time, routines help you create predictability in your day. Even try establishing small rituals, like brewing a cup of coffee each morning, or reading before bed, it can give you something to look forward to and a sense of normality.
Practice self-care
when you start to fill homesick, it is important to take care of yourself. This could mean that you get enough rest, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, or simply allowing yourself to relax. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, and well-being can help alleviate stress and improve your overall mental health.
Mindfulness and meditation can also be beneficial, helping to manage any negative feelings associated with homesickness. These practices can help you stay in the present moment and focus on the positive aspects of your new life rather than dwelling on what you miss.
Be patient with yourself
The last thing to remember is that homesickness can often be a phase, not a permanent state. It is going to take time to adjust to a new environment, and it’s okay not to feel fully settled right away. The more you allow yourself to be patient with yourself, the more you’ll build resilience.
Over time, your new life in the UK will begin to feel more familiar, and the intensity of homesickness will lessen. You will eventually grow stronger and more confident in your ability to navigate your new surroundings.
Homesickness is a normal and temporary feeling that comes with making a major life change like moving countries. By acknowledging your emotions and staying connected with loved ones, and taking active steps to create a sense of home and routine, you can manage homesickness and make the most of your time in the UK. With patience and self-care, you will soon find that the UK feels like your second home.
Remember, you are not alone. Reach out to the team here at Bounce Teachers, or other friends, keep exploring and allow yourself time to adapt. The more you embrace the move and the new lifestyle, the easier it will be to enjoy the experience of living in the UK.
