Living abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it’s not always easy. One of the most common challenges that people face when living abroad is homesickness. Missing friends and family, familiar foods and surroundings can be overwhelming and leave you feeling sad and lonely. However, there are ways to cope with homesickness and make your time abroad more enjoyable. In this blog post, we will share five practical tips on how to deal with homesickness when living abroad, including working with a life coach.

1. Stay connected with loved ones

Staying connected with friends and family back home is crucial when dealing with homesickness. Nowadays, there are many ways to stay connected even when you’re thousands of miles away. Sharing your experiences with loved ones can help you feel less alone and more connected to home. Having said that, it’s also very important to find new connections in your life abroad. Building new friendships can help you to feel more connected to your new place and makes your new environment feel more familiar.

2. Create a routine and keep yourself busy

Creating a routine and keeping yourself busy can be helpful when dealing with homesickness. Try to establish a daily routine that includes exercise, work, and social activities. This will help you feel more settled and give you a sense of purpose. Keeping busy with hobbies or new experiences can also help distract you from feelings of homesickness. However, make sure that you don’t push your feelings away by distracting yourself. Temporary distractions can be good but sooner or later you have to face the homesickness so that you can process these emotions instead of keeping them stuck in your body.

3. Embrace the local culture

Embracing the local culture can help you feel more connected to your new home. Take the time to explore the local area, try new foods, and learn about the history and customs of your new home. You may find that the local culture has similarities to your own, or you may discover something new and exciting. Journal about your discoveries or share it with others to help integrate your experiences even more. 

4. Stay positive and practice self-care

Staying positive and practicing self-care are essential when dealing with homesickness. This can sometimes be easier said than done, however being aware of your self-talk is very important here. When you try to focus on the positives of your new experience remind yourself of why you chose to live abroad. What made you move abroad in the first place? What is your intention and what are you seeking from this experience? How can you shift your limiting beliefs into more useful or empowering thoughts? 

Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is also crucial. Exercise regularly, eat healthy, and make time for activities that you enjoy. Practicing mindfulness or meditation can also be helpful in managing stress and anxiety. You can also try using essential oils, crystals or sign up for a reiki new earth energy healing to help balance your energy, release blockages and come home to yourself.

5. Work with a life coach

Working with a life coach can be a great way to manage homesickness when living abroad. A life coach can help you identify your goals and values, establish a plan to achieve them, and provide support and guidance throughout the process. They can also help you develop coping strategies to deal with homesickness and other challenges you may face when living abroad.

Would you like personal support in this transition phase? As a certified Travel & Life Coach it’s my mission to guide you in your global journey so that you can thrive abroad and feel at home away from home. Join one of my coaching sessions or programs to get the support that you deserve to navigate through these changes with ease and grace.

In conclusion, homesickness is a common challenge when living abroad, but there are practical ways to cope with it. Staying connected with loved ones, creating a routine, embracing the local culture, staying positive, practicing self-care, and working with a life coach are all effective strategies for dealing with homesickness. Remember that everyone’s experience is different, and it’s essential to find what works best for you. Also, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. By implementing these tips, you can make the most of your time abroad and enjoy your new home to the fullest. 

Would you like to try a coaching session and find out how it can help you deal with homesickness and feel at home abroad? Book your session today.