How to Navigate Homesickness
Homesickness is one of the common causes of distress among Indian students in overseas countries. It results in longing for familiar connections, restlessness, preoccupation with home, loneliness and anxiety due to strong emotional attachment with their family, friends and home country. To many international students, homesickness feels like cultural and emotional shock due to the language barrier and the challenge of adapting to unfamiliar customs and traditions.
This blog will help international students and studying abroad aspirants understand the root cause of homesickness, its symptoms and ways to deal with it.
Why Have Discussion on Homesickness?
The true essence of the word ‘homesickness’ can be better understood by those who live through it. To international students, homesickness can be a source of depression, anxiety, and even certain mental health conditions if not addressed properly. However, homesickness can go away once a person becomes habituated to their surroundings and environment.
Still, for the time being, they may face problems in concentrating on their studies or work, which can lead to a lack of productivity. Hence, it is essential to discuss homesickness and its coping mechanisms.
Reasons of Homesickness
International students can feel homesick due to various reasons, as listed below:
- Inability to make new friends and connections
- Sense of academic pressure
- Inability to adapt to a new environment and culture abroad
- Communication challenges due to language barriers
- Managing responsibilities with minimal support from home.
Signs & Symptoms of Homesickness
Have you ever wondered how to know if you are homesick? There are certain symptoms based on which you can easily acknowledge your current conditions if you have moved to a new place for some purpose.
- Sadness
- Loneliness
- Anxiety
- Sense of nostalgia
- Withdrawal from routine activities
- Lack of sleep
- Low appetite
- Preoccupation with home
- Difficulty in making friends
How to Overcome Homesickness?
Below, we have described some of the coping strategies to overcome homesickness and help adapt to a new environment.
Acknowledgement of Condition
Half of our problems, including homesickness, can be solved if we are able to acknowledge and accept our current situation because it prepares our minds to build the strategy to overcome them.
Stay Engaged in Activities
Getting involved in routine activities, hobbies, and extracurricular activities diverts our attention from homesickness to give productive results for the betterment of the future.
Make New Friends
Take some time to build relationships with like-minded people, especially those who can understand your condition and help you navigate it. Social gatherings and getting together with college and office colleagues on certain occasions can also help alleviate the feeling of homesickness.
Focus on Long Run
Instead of focusing on problems and challenges, think about the opportunities that come with your new situation, such as personal growth, new friendships, career advancement, or education. Focusing on the positives can shift your mindset.
No Pain, No Gain
This proverb hits differently to those who are going through tough challenges in their lives. Life also gives us some unpleasant aspects that everyone wants to avoid, but colliding them head-on with extreme confidence and determination can mould the overall personality and value of a person.
Give Yourself Time
Homesickness is not a disease but a temporary state that everyone can overcome with patience and utter determination. Allow yourself to adapt to new conditions and cultures without forcing too much.
Stay Connected with Home
Many people think that staying in touch with family can aggravate homesickness. However, this is not true. Regularly video calling, texting, or messaging your family and friends can help you feel supported.
Focus on Self-Care
Maintaining healthy habits like having a proper diet, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise can boost the serotonin level, which eventually increases your confidence. Try techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
Feeling homesick doesn’t mean you are sick or an immature one who is unable to live outside the home or familiar surroundings. Homesickness can arise due to a sense of pressure, uncertainty, and responsibility, which comes when one leaves their home for studies or work. To some people, it may seem like exile, but in reality, it is not. Maintaining a healthy mindset and being ready to gain some positivity from it can prepare you to overcome homesickness.
FAQs
How serious is homesickness?
Homesickness can lead to several physical or health issues like anxiety, fatigue, lack of appetite, sleep deprivation, sadness, and loneliness.
How can you get rid of the feeling of homesickness?
The feeling of homesickness can be overcome by staying engaged in routine activities, focussing on long-term benefits and self-care, and giving yourself adequate time to adapt to new conditions.
Is studying abroad good for introverts?
For introverts, overseas education provides several benefits which include cultural exploration, skill development, forming meaningful connections, and focused attention on responsibilities, thereby inculcating a sense of independence.
How do international students deal with homesickness?
International students deal with homesickness by engaging in different activities, making connections, and gaining significant academic and professional experiences for a better future.
Does homesickness ever go away?
Homesickness is a temporary feeling which goes away once international students accept the conditions and try to adjust to the new environment.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
