12 Tips for Alleviating Homesickness

Anyone who has moved away from family and friends has likely encountered the heart-ripping, nerve-inducing dread that is homesickness. This feeling doesn’t last forever though, and I’ve learned a few tricks that help ease the anxiety.

1. Read a book

Books are especially helpful when you need to escape from your own problems for a while because they let you embark on someone else’s journey. I would recommend something easy and fun. The goal is not to read a more complicated literary masterpiece like War and Peace (unless you are a literary scholar, in which case that might be the perfect option for you). The goal is to let your mind relax and take a little vacation from your day-to-day life. This is one of my personal favorites.

2. Learn something new

For me, this was taking violin classes (I had never taken any kind of music lessons before). For you it could be anything ranging from knitting to a new sport. Take this as an opportunity to try something you’ve always wanted to do. Embrace all of the changes you’ve been facing, and use it as an opportunity for self-improvement.

3. Do something old

By this I mean do something you enjoyed before your move. If you loved to paint, then paint! Doing something you enjoy can help you feel more comfortable. For me, this was crocheting. I must have made 10 scarves by the time the homesickness subsided, but it helped because it made me feel good. By doing something you are good at, you can feel more in control, which is so valuable when you feel everything around you is unmanageable.

4. Join a local club

Look for a group of people who enjoy the same thing you do. Whether it is a sports club or a club for dog-lovers, finding people who have common interests can be a great comfort during a time when you feel like you are alone. It can also make your new environment more familiar to you, because you are doing something you already enjoyed before your move.

5. Write in a journal

I cant emphasize enough how powerful this one can be. Journaling is a great outlet for stress and worry, as well as a way to record the joys and excitement you will feel during your move. If you are dwelling on something – that you should have taken the job in Boston for example – writing it down will help you to let it go. It lets you acknowledge your doubts/worries/regrets, and gives you the chance to move forward. If you still want to dwell on it later (which you wont), you can. But right now it is important to stay positive and focus on the future.

6. Take a walk

This is actually a lot more helpful than it seems. When I first moved and I was missing home, I would lace up my sneakers and go for a walk. Don’t worry about where you are going, just explore. Find out what’s around you: the closest grocery store, interesting restaurants, et cetera. You might be surprised what you find. Wandering around the city lets you get a feel for your new home. Plus, you will be so much more comfortable when you need something if you have already explored and know a place to go nearby.

7. Learn the language

If you moved to a place where the local language is different, like I did, one of the biggest stressors is not being able to communicate. When I first arrived in Spain, I would go to the same place for lunch every day, because I only knew how to order one thing in Spanish (a bocadillo de jamon, if you’re wondering). There are language schools everywhere, so search for a local one near you. You might meet other expats who are going through the same thing as you, and you might even make a new friend.

 8. Explore the culture 

Every place has its own unique charms. Try the local food, go shopping or see a show; just be a tourist! Exploring the local cuisine can help you to feel more a part of the culture (and keep you away from those familiar fast food chains). Going to popular tourist attractions might just remind you of why you came to this city in the first place, but if anything, at least it will give you a better lay of the land.

9. Clean

And if you don’t have something to clean yet, make a mess! By that I don’t mean you should go around your house throwing dirty laundry everywhere. Do a craft, start a home improvement project, bake brownies – whatever! Let yourself feel at home, but once you have fun, be sure to clean up again. When you’re sad it can be easy to lose control and let your house get messy, but being in a messy environment will just add to your stress.

10. Get a stuffed animal

I know this one sounds strange, but it is comforting to have something warm and fuzzy to hug. It is okay to want something soothing, whether that is your favorite movie or a stuffed toy. Let yourself be a kid for a moment. Taking control and being strong does not mean pretending to be unfeeling. It means doing everything you can to improve and embrace your situation. So, release your inner child and indulge yourself on something comforting.

11. Exercise

It is important to stay active during your transition, and not just because of the endorphins it releases (although, those are a nice bonus), but also because exercising and lifestyle are something you can control. This is especially great if you enjoy group exercise, like dance or classes at the gym, because you have an opportunity to meet new people. I once had a doctor tell me that there are 4 S’s to happiness: Sleep, Sunshine, Smile, and Sweat.

12. Say yes!

My personal rule when I first moved was that whenever a peer would ask me to go do something, I would always say yes. It is tempting to rush back to the comfort of your home, but the faster you make new friends, the faster you will adjust. Once you become the person who always says “sorry, I’m busy,” people will start to assume that you will always say no, and they will stop inviting you. If you haven’t gotten an invitation to go do something yet, invite someone yourself! Ask that nice girl at work if she wants to go with you to the coffee shop next to the office during your break.

The New Home, No Problem Guide to Homesickness: 

Maintain control. Remember, a lot of homesickness is due to the loss of control, so give yourself the power to regain command.

Leave the house! Don’t lock yourself in the comfort of your room to cower in the corner. Moving can be scary, especially if you do it alone, but all of the opportunities are outside. You aren’t going to feel any better hiding from your problems, so open the door and face them.

Meet people. One of the easiest ways to fight homesickness is meeting new people. Having people around you will not only be a good distraction, but they might just become good friends.

Stay busy. This is important because it distracts you from your worries, and in many cases it lets you focus on your present, rather than dwell on your past.

Immerse yourself. I’m betting you moved here for a reason, so explore and embrace the culture. Every place has something unique to enjoy.

I know you miss your hometown, but soon you will view this place as your new home. It can be hard to adjust to a new environment, I know, but be strong and smile. You owe it to yourself to at least give it a chance.

Have some of your own tips for easing homesickness? Share them in the comments below!