How to Deal with Homesickness

Last updated on March 3rd, 2021 at 08:40 pm

Homesickness is no joke. I realized it fast when I arrived at the airport in the U.S. in the dead of winter. Thoughts started piling up. Okay, so I am a wife now. I don’t have a job so I will be a homemaker for now. I don’t know anyone here. Will it be okay? Why am I here? What am I going to do now?

Every person has different ways of adapting to a new place. It all depends on the reason you are in your current location. Whether it’s a work opportunity, study, or starting a family, we can all agree that the first few months are the most difficult. 

So from one migrant to another, here are some ideas on how to deal with homesickness.

1. Take a break.

Just like any type of discomfort, our minds and bodies are smart enough to know when something is bothering us. You might find yourself spending hours on the internet, binge-eat, and so on. Those can be helpful, but only for a short time. It is important to take time and breathe, and see where you’re at. Quietness can sometimes be eerie, but if entertained properly, can help your thoughts align more with reality.

2. Acknowledge and accept.

You won’t be able to handle facts if you keep on denying it. Whatever situation and location you are in now, things are happening, it’s real. Choices were made, that’s why you’re here. It might sound harsh, but the more you remind yourself of your reasons, the more you honor and accept them.

3. Open up!

Once you get a hold of yourself, it’s time to re-open communication. And I do NOT mean social media. While that is now the deal, good old conversations still make a good score. So start close with your current location, like, your neighbors. 

In the Philippines, I grew up knowing everyone on the block. People watch each other’s kids, swap meals, share whatever tools, and come together for occasions. We grew closer by doing everyday things.

After two moves and getting a house, I braved up and knocked on people’s doors with a plate of lumpia to hand over. I have gotten both ends of the stick of reactions (maybe in another post). The thing is, you have to try and do your part in reaching out. They’re literally the closest humans to you anyway! And while we’re still in a pandemic, there are more opportunities of getting creative in connecting with the people in your area.

4. Go out and explore!

Although this wasn’t as much possible in the winter, as soon as a little hint of spring hits, hubby and I were up and about. We went to different parks to hike, ask around and check out the local places to go, hang out and eat. Joe and I agreed that you stop being “foreign” to a place when you stop using Google Maps to find your way home.

5. Do you have a hobby?

Our senses play a vital role in our memories. It helps you remember emotions. It’s like when you cook your favorite meal, the simmering sounds, smell, and taste of the food carry out feelings and good moments. That being said, it’s important to determine those small activities you were doing before that make you happy in the long run. 

Whether it be cooking, gardening, singing, dancing, or sports, retrace your hobbies and pick up where you left off. Most of the time the hobby will include connecting with like-minded people in your area, and getting introduced into the community; so that helps you cover other bases, too!

6. Practice contentment.

According to Oxford Languages, “Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction”.

Appreciate the things you already have before “looking elsewhere”. When you’re unhappy with your current state, more than often our initial action is to look out and see what others have. While that might give you ideas on dealing with the problem, oftentimes comparison will eventually creep in, and obviously, that will not help, either!

Wherever you are right now, know that you are not alone and someone somewhere is having the same struggle as you. Know that you have enough to make things happen.