How to Deal with Moving Away from Family and Friends

The act of uprooting your life to start anew somewhere else can be an emotional roller coaster. One moment you're thrilled about the fresh opportunities ahead, the next, you're feeling homesick for the familiar faces and places you're leaving behind. Whether you are a student or you have moved for work, moving away can be a difficult experience.

This guide on how to deal with moving away from family and friends.  Firstly you need to understand that being homesick is natural.

Understanding Homesickness

It's entirely natural to miss the familiar comforts of home when you move away. Your home, family, and friends provide a sense of belonging, and when that's suddenly removed, feelings of homesickness can quickly settle in.

These emotions don't signify weakness. They reflect your capacity for deep connections and your ability to cherish what matters to you. So, don't beat yourself up. Allow yourself to experience these emotions fully and understand that it's all part of the process.  It's also important not to feel guilty when moving.

Is it normal to feel guilty when moving away from family and friends?

Feeling guilty about your decision to move? Remind yourself of the reasons behind the move. Maybe it was for a fantastic job opportunity, a fresh start, or to expand your horizons. It could even be a simple desire to experience a new place.

Whatever the reason, remember that it was important enough for you to make this significant life change. You're not abandoning your loved ones; instead, you're seizing an opportunity to grow and explore. Moving away doesn't have to mean moving on from meaningful relationships, and you certainly shouldn't feel guilty about moving for new experiences.  To make the guilt subside you will need to get out and about as soon as possible and try to also make new friends.

Making New Friends

Now, let's talk about the importance of making new friends. This might seem daunting, especially if you're the type who's slow to warm up to strangers. But forming new friendships is an integral part of adapting to a new place.

Your new friends will introduce you to local culture, help you understand your new surroundings better, and gradually transform your new location into a home. So, put yourself out there, join local clubs, volunteer, or participate in community events. Remember, everyone appreciates a friendly face.

One way to make new friends when moving somewhere new for the first time is to take part in activities and experiences.

Embrace New Activities and Experiences

Trying new activities isn't just about occupying your time; it's also a fantastic way to immerse yourself in your new community. Join a local gym, take cooking classes, or explore the local music scene. Engaging in these activities allows you to interact with the local people, learn new skills, and discover more about the area.

Not only will you forget for a short while about your homesickness, but you will also start having fun too.

When moving to a new area, you don't have to do it all on your own.  Take some home comforts with you to make the experience more bearable.

Home Comforts to help you adapt

Don't be shy about bringing along your home comforts. It could be as simple as a family photo, a favourite mug, or even a blanket that reminds you of home. These items can provide immense comfort, especially during those first few lonely nights in your new place. They remind you of home and can make your new surroundings feel more familiar.

Some people may think that it will be easier to move away from your family and friends if you don't take any home comforts and try to forget about them but the opposite is true.

When in doubt and you feel homesick reach out to your family and friends, you can do this by picking up the phone or even texting them.  You may feel homesick but they probably miss you too.

Phone Home When You Need To

Keeping in touch with your family and friends back home is crucial, especially in the initial stages after your move. Regular video calls, messages, or social media updates can help bridge the physical distance. Just hearing a familiar voice or seeing a loved one's face can be incredibly comforting.

You can use this time to plan visits back to your home too.

Make Plans to Return Home

Planning visits home can also help you deal with moving away. Having a set date to look forward to can make the distance feel less daunting. Plus, it provides an excellent opportunity to reconnect with your loved ones and recharge before returning to your new life.

Visiting back home gives you the chance to see your loved ones too.

When you feel the most homesick, also try to remember why you moved in the first place.

Remember Why You Moved

Lastly, in times of extreme homesickness, don't forget to remind yourself of why you decided to move in the first place. Recall the aspirations, goals, or opportunities that motivated you to take this step. Use these reminders as a way to stay grounded and focused on the exciting journey ahead.

Moving away from family and friends can be challenging, but it's also a chance for growth, adventure, and self-discovery. Embrace the new experiences, forge new relationships, and always remember, home isn't just a place—it's wherever your loved ones are, and that's just a phone call away.

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