When we end up moving to another country or start traveling around more, there are the little things that we miss out on which contribute to a major sense of homesickness. Setting up a whole new life in another country is incredibly exciting, of course, but we also need to remember that it's okay to feel like this. Sometimes, a little taste of home can be exactly what the doctor ordered when we live in another country. Here are a few simple ways for you to do this.
Hook Up a VPN
Getting a virtual private network (VPN) is an excellent way for you to watch TV at home. If you want to know how to watch NBA games on your TV but the country you're in doesn't screen basketball in any way, there's always a solution here, including streaming online, as well as getting a VPN. All you need to do is to choose the right one and set it up, and then you can access all of your favorite sports, TV shows, and movies from anywhere in the world, meaning that you can still watch TV from back home, especially if this is the thing you've been missing the most.
Seek Out Authentic Restaurants
One of the toughest things about living in another country is that they don't get the home dishes quite right. While it may not be exactly the same, taking the time to enjoy familiar flavors and dishes can become fitting. Exploring authentic restaurants that do American staples like burgers and fries or even looking for authentic recipes can give you a far better taste of home. You should also look for specialty grocery stores that sell ingredients from your home country, as many cities have international markets that cater to expat communities. Therefore, stocking up on familiar produce including sauces and spices can make cooking at home feel almost like home.
Ask for Care Packages
We can have those days when we feel like an absolute foreigner in our new home, and this can cause a whole heap of anxiety. A care package is an excellent solution here because if you're missing your favorite candy, snacks, or other foods that remind you of your roots, this can help lighten the emotional load on those particularly tough days.
A Phone Call
Finally, the most simple solution can be the best. While there's plenty of ways to speak to your loved ones on the other side of the world online, we've got to contend with the buffering or poor connection. In this case, an old-fashioned phone call can be exactly what you need because you're able to talk to them in real time and have a real proper conversation about what's going on at home. Of course, you may need to stay up a little bit later; however, that connection you have with home can make a huge difference that can relax and rejuvenate you.
When it comes to dealing with being homesick, the key is about incorporating a lot of the senses into your daily life. Some require a bit of creativity, but there are many ways that you can recreate home in your new surroundings.