You’re living and working in a foreign place, away from family and friends. Everything is new — the food, the language, the people and culture, and there are times when you really miss being back home.
Sometimes, the work can be hard and stressful, draining you physically and mentally. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to manage stress, as well as deal with homesickness while living abroad.
1. Get Enough Sleep
How many hours of sleep do you usually have? 5 hours? 6 hours? Ideally, adults should be getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night to ensure that their mind and body can fully rest and recharge.
“Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise,” as the old adage goes. If you’re having trouble sleeping early, you need to set the mood by making sure your room is comfortable, put your cellphone away, and play soothing music for a relaxing atmosphere.
2. Be Still and Meditate
Have you ever tried meditation? During your break, a few minutes of simply being still can do wonders. Find a comfortable place where you can sit down and relax. Close your eyes and do some deep breathing.
3. Try Deep Breathing
Speaking of deep breathing, here are some techniques: Breathe in through your nose, and breathe out through your mouth. Do this slowly and steadily for about 3-5 minutes to help calm your mind and body.
If you’re feeling stressed, try the 4-4-4 method: inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, then exhale steadily for 4 seconds. Doing this for about 3-5 minutes can help lower stress and anxiety.
4. Listen to Music
Listening to music is another way to slow down and relax. Make a playlist of your favorite songs, be it pop, classical, or instrumental music. Avoid playing heavy metal or loud music as these could have the opposite effect!
5. Eat Healthy Foods
A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. And this involves eating the right food, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reduce or avoid eating highly processed food and drinks, like chips, instant noodles, and sodas.
6. Exercise Regularly
Likewise, being healthy means getting active! Make it a point to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Even something simple as walking, jogging, or biking can help you reach your fitness goals.
7. Write in a Journal
Writing things down is a good way to de-stress. Anytime you feel sad, angry, or overwhelmed — write your thoughts down in a notebook or journal. Of course, don’t forget to write about the things that you make you happy, as well. Doing this will remind you of your life’s blessings!
8. Start a Hobby
There are many things you can do on your spare time: reading, drawing, sewing, gardening, playing a musical instrument, and so on. Starting a hobby allows you to be creative, productive, and stress-free!
9. Learn Something New
Learning a new skill is another fantastic way to engage your mind and body. On your day off, why not sign up for cooking classes, or join a yoga class? You can also watch videos on crocheting, knitting, calligraphy writing, and other activities, so you can try them out for yourself.
10. Meet Your Friends
Human beings are social by nature, and spending time with others is essential to our well-being. Make plans to meet your friends on your rest days, and during public holidays. Have a picnic, eat at your favorite restaurant, or simply hang out and exchange stories… and jokes!
Living abroad is not easy, especially when everything is unfamiliar and you’re still adapting to a different culture. By following the above tips, you can shake off the blues, keep stress away, and stay positive each day.
As for dealing with homesickness, here are some more tips on what you can do when you’re missing your loved ones back home.