How to cope with moving to another country
Along with the physical move, one part of the relocation process is undoubtedly the mental aspect of relocating to a new home. When preparing to travel to a foreign country and stay there for a while, it’s often difficult to mentally prepare for leaving your old home. Dealing with all the feelings, where excitement, fear, and confusion are mixed, is not always easy. Luckily, there’s a way to be successful with this transition. This article will guide you through some useful tips on how to cope with moving to another country and have a stress-free relocation.
Accept the fact that you’re moving
Moving to another country can cause anxiety and depression – and that’s okay. Feeling insecure about such a meaningful life even is understandable and expected. We are never really aware of how strongly we love our old home, people we know, and the culture we belong to until we decide to leave it all behind. This is particularly emphasized if the place we’re moving to includes a different language, religion, and culture. The effect of cultural shock is inevitable, but if you prepare well, it’s possible to make it less intense. For that reason, be sure to accept the fact that you’re moving as soon as possible and be ready to deal with the challenges. You will also be more positive when packing for the move, which will make the process a lot easier.
Start planning on time
Give yourself enough time to cope with moving to another country. Unless you’re moving on short notice, start preparing for the move weeks or months in advance. We advise making a schedule or a moving checklist of tasks you need to complete. Keeping track of your progress will also help you mentally prepare for the move and be ready when the time comes to leave.
Furthermore, make the moving process as stress-free as possible.
Remember: If you feel overwhelmed with all the tasks you need to do – get some assistance. According to more experienced expats, with the right help it can be easy to relocate even when moving so far away.
Learn more about the new country
If you’re moving to a place that’s different than your current home, try to learn more about it before the move; research the country’s geography, culture, and religions. Also, explore social networks and try to meet people from the new town, and get a sneak peek into the new community. Knowing the place you’re moving to better will make you feel more confident, and therefore help you cope with moving to another country.
Learn the language
If you’re moving into a non-English speaking country, be sure to start learning some words and phrases of the local language. Being able to communicate with locals once you arrive is a way to build confidence and feel better about the relocation.
Stay in touch
Feeling homesick is something you will probably not avoid, but there’s one way to make things easier. Make sure you stay in touch with your family and other people you love. It’s best to schedule regular online meetups, so you can always have someone to tell about your day, insecurities, and other things that happen after the move. Regular video calls are very important, especially if you plan on maintaining a long-distance romantic relationship. Always be honest with your partner and work on your relationship the same way you did before the move. During the time you spend away, let Skype and similar services be your best friends.
Don’t waste your free time
After moving to another country, having a lot of free time may be a negative thing. Having more spare time can mean having more time to think about certain things, feeling homesick, etc. That’s why now you have the opportunity to spend some quality free time by doing things you always wanted to do. Think about a hobby you’ve never had time for, exercising, or investing more time in your business and skills. Fulfill your spare time and forget about negative thoughts.
Bonus tip: Another way to spend some quality time in the new city is going sightseeing. Explore the city, visit famous landmarks, and eat at popular restaurants. This is the way you’ll get to know the location better, but also get out and feel better about your day.
Have a piece of ‘before’ with you at all times
When having a bad day, sometimes even the smallest details can make you feel better. To cope with moving to another country and fight homesickness, bring an item that reminds you of some good times you had in the old home. Even when you buy a new house in another country, be sure to bring some items from the old home. This can be a photo, a favorite snack, a cup, but also activities such as watching a favorite movie, reading a book, etc. Anything that can instantly make you feel better and make your day. Photos of familiar places, smells, and tastes can bring you back to your old home better than anything and put a smile on your face after a long day.
Focus on your goals
Moving to another country usually comes with a purpose. People often move for work, so focusing on your business objectives is a great way to forget about negative feels. Set some short-term and long-term goals and focus on reaching them. If you’re busy with professional tasks and improving your skills, there’s less time to feel homesick.
Socialize
You probably had a great social life back at home, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have one in the new country. A great way to deal with the move is meeting new people. Finding new friends, acquaintances, business partners will create a new chapter in your social life and help you feel better about yourself. Always embrace new chances, and enjoy the time you spend in a foreign environment.
Photos used
https://pixabay.com/photos/sunset-sea-homesickness-sillhouette-216872/
https://pixabay.com/photos/airport-transport-woman-girl-2373727/
