How to Avoid Homesickness

Homesickness is an unfortunate side effect of traveling, living or studying away from home. It's a relatively common issue that develops because a person misses his former life or the people he "left behind." Fortunately, homesickness is something that can be easily overcome in most situations. The key is to make friends and focus on the present instead of what or who you may be missing back home.

Things You'll Need

• Journal

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Instructions

• 1

  Involve yourself in various groups and organizations. Whether you're at a new school, new job or in a new part of the world, plan to get involved to overcome homesickness. Join various school or community organizations or groups to meet new people and make new friends. There are myriad organizations to choose from almost anywhere you go, so ask around, check the local newspapers, talk to a neighbor or do some Internet research to find the perfect groups for you to join.

• 2

  Plan a visit home. If you're going to spend a large amount of time away and you're able to afford it, plan a trip home just to visit. Knowing that you'll see the people and things you miss from home in the future will help keep homesickness at bay.

• 3

  Plan small trips or activities for the near future. Having something to look forward to always makes time go faster and will take your mind off everything at home. Ideas include a mini excursion or road trip with new friends, a shopping trip or a small get-together.

• 4

  Practice keeping a positive attitude. There is one thing that you can control in your life, and that is your current state of mind. Focusing on the negative aspects of your new life will not do anything except bring you down. Instead, highlight the positive things in your life. Write them down in a journal, phone home about them or talk with a friend.

• 5

  Do something when your mind starts to wander toward feelings of homesickness. If you begin to feel sad or lonesome, engage in an activity that will take your mind off those unwanted feelings. Go to a cafe and read a book, take a bath, write in a journal or meet up with some friends.