Whether it's through traveling, a study abroad program, going to college, or even moving to another state, feeling homesick is totally normal. However, if you're like me, you will do whatever you can to avoid that feeling. So here are six ways to do just that!
1. Stay connected to people back at home
Staying in touch with your friends and family back at home will help cope with that homesick feeling. You can Facetime, send gifts, write each other letters, send them pictures, etc. For me, it seems like if I'm constantly seeing pictures from back home, it'll make me miss home even more, but it's actually the exact opposite!
2. Explore wherever you are
While it is good to make sure you're staying in touch with those back home, make sure that isn't the only thing you're doing. Go out and explore around where you are! Visit the local places and you'll start to feel more at home if you actually know where things are and how to get there.
3. Take a break from social media
FOMO. Fear of missing out. It's a real thing, and it can definitely ruin your vacation. If you're constantly seeing what everyone back home is doing, from what they're eating for breakfast to what their Tuesday night plans are, it's going to be difficult for you not to wish you were there.
4. Take things from home with you
A big cause of homesickness is the feeling of unfamiliarity. If you bring something from home with you that you're familiar with, it'll make it a lot easier to get over your homesickness. Doing this will help you still feel connected to home while you are away.
5. Keep the same traditions you had at home
If there's something specific you miss about home, maybe try to recreate it in the new place you're at! If you're missing the neighborhood park, well, you probably can't recreate that. But if it's a certain routine or tradition you have, you can easily do those same things wherever you are; you will feel your nostalgia decrease instantly.
6. Exercise
You won't always have somewhere to exercise wherever you are, but if you do, take advantage of it! Exercising will help create endorphins to get rid of the anxiety/depression you have from being away from home.
