Dealing With Homesickness: Tips for Building a Life Abroad

For many people who moved abroad, homesickness is one of the hardest things to deal with at the beginning. Missing family, friends, familiar food, and everyday routines can feel overwhelming. Even for those who have lived away from home for many years, homesickness can still come and go. 

The truth is, it never completely disappears, and that’s okay. You learn how to manage it. Over time, you adjust to your new surroundings and build a new life, but there will always be moments when you miss where you came from. Feeling that way does not mean you are weak. It simply means you care deeply about home. 

If you are struggling with homesickness, here are a few simple tips that may help. 

Create a routine

Having a daily routine can help you feel more grounded and stable in a new country. When your days have structure, life starts to feel more familiar and manageable. 

Your routine does not have to be complicated. It can include small things, like going for a walk after work, stopping by your favorite cafe, cooking dinner at a certain time, or setting aside time for rest. The more comfortable you become with your routine, the faster your new place starts to feel like home. 

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Meet new people 

Being away from family and long-time friends can make you feel lonely, especially when it seems like life  back home continues without you. This is why building a support system in your new country is so important. 

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Try to meet people who understand what you are going through. They can be fellow Filipinos, coworkers, neighbors, or people you meet through hobbies and community events. Having friends who share similar experiences can help you feel less alone and more connected. 

Try new activities

Moving abroad is also a chance to try new things. Whether it is going to the gym, joining a fitness class, reading more, learning a new skill, or exploring a new hobby, staying active can help you distract your mind and lift your mood. 

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New activities not only keep you busy, but they can also introduce you to new people and give you something to look forward to each week. 

Stay connected with loved ones

Staying in touch with family and friends back home is important, but it can also be emotional. Seeing their lives continue without you can sometimes make the feeling of homesickness stronger. 

If social media makes it harder, it is okay to take a break. Instead, focus on meaningful connections. Schedule regular calls, send messages, or simply check in with each other. These small moments can remind you that even though you are far away, you are still deeply connected. 

Cook food from home 

Food has a powerful way of bringing comfort. Cooking Filipino dishes at home, even if some ingredients are hard to find, can help you feel closer to your roots.

Many Asian or Filipino grocery stores carry familiar ingredients, and recreating meals you love can be a comforting way to end a long day. Sometimes, one familiar taste is enough to ease the longing for home. 

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Travel when you can

Having something to look forward to can make a big difference. If possible, take time to explore your  new country or nearby destinations. Traveling, even for a short trip, can refresh your mind and help you appreciate where you are.

Exploring new places allows you to create new memories and reminds you that your journey abroad is also filled with opportunities. 

Support each other

Living abroad is often a decision made for yourself and your family. Supporting one another through the ups and downs is important. One way to stay connected is by helping in practical ways, such as sending support back home when needed. 

With Smiles Mobile Remittance, you can easily send money to your loved ones anytime, anywhere. It offers user-friendly features, everyday great rates, and 24/7 multilingual customer support, helping you stay connected while living far from home. 

Life abroad, one step at a time 

Homesickness is a natural part of living abroad. While you cannot always avoid it, you can learn how to live with it. Focus on building new experiences, meeting new people, and creating a life you are proud of. 

Home will always be a part of you, no matter where you are in the world.