Solo But Strong: Strategies to Overcome Loneliness While in a New Country

Are you excited and ready to move to a new country to pursue a new job opportunity, your higher education, or something else? This is going to be one of the most exciting phases of your life, but bear in mind that there are usually multiple pros and cons attached to this move.

It surely is going to be a wonderful phase of learning and growing, but it will also tend to get lonely. When you move to a new country, you are moving away from your friends and family and are going to be on your own. This is the first step out of your comfort zone.

If you feel alone, know that it is only natural. But there are a few ways in which you can stay connected with yourself and your loved ones and also build new friendships.

So, what can you do for the loneliness?

7 Tips to Battle Loneliness Abroad

Here are some effective strategies and things you can do to overcome loneliness when you are in a new country:

1. Socialize and Build Connections

A move to a new country opens new opportunities, where the possibilities for new friendships are endless. Friendships go through their journey of growth and transformation.  And as you mature, you tend to leave a lot of friends behind making room for newer friends.

So, when moving to a new country for your higher education, for example, the university experience will open a new canvas for a fresh start at with a diverse palette of people.

If the process of building new friendships is difficult then worry not, because a thousand others are sailing in the same boat. But embrace this opportunity as making new friends is the first antidote to loneliness.

2. Find a Hobby

They say "An idle mind is a devil's workshop", so find yourself a hobby or interest that you can indulge in, in your free time. For motivation, you can consider the story of Facebook's formation in a dorm. But while your hobby need not turn into a profession, it should be something that you look forward to.

For instance, try cooking. Making food can seem daunting at first, but the rewards are substantial. Try new recipes or recreate your favorite ones, or you can even host your friends and there you go... you have wisely utilized your free time and eradicated loneliness.

And of course, it goes without saying that cooking isn't the only hobby you can pick... There is reading, painting, and more that can keep loneliness at bay and make your experience abroad purposeful and engaging.

3. Detach from the World of Social Media

While social media may seem like the best option for staying in touch with people, you need to be mindful of its cons. Looking at others' lives via social media may lead to the development of "FOMO" – Fear of Missing Out, which will add to your emotional vulnerability.

Hence, taking a step back from social media will help you keep your spirits high while in a new country. Your cue to cut off from social media is when you start comparing your life to others based on it. And while cutting off completely from social media can be difficult, you must take small steps towards it.

You can gradually reduce your screen time which allows a smoother transition. Alternatively, you can listen to music or watch a new TV show to combat your urge to scroll through.

4. Stay Fit and Active

Often, due to busy schedules, people forget about their health and wellbeing. It is a proven fact that if you work out or just take a quick walk in a day it will help you refresh and focus better. Spending some time working out at the start of your day will help you get fit and energized for the hustle and bustle of your busy days.

A study shows that students who spend even around 10 minutes at the start of the day with a basic workout or meditation are happier than the other students. You can also decide to join a running group if that is something you like. This can work out well for you if you have friends who are interested in doing these activities with you. You can look out for local running groups in the new country you are in.

5. Stay Connected with Your Friends and Family

Understandably, everyone is busy in their lives. But it is always good to spare some time for your loved ones. When you are in a different country away from home, you should connect with people who matter to you. There is a difference in the time zone and also you may get busy on certain days, but it is imperative for you to stay connected. This will help you deal with the times in which you feel lonely.

Your friends and family will always have time for you and be happy to connect with you. In today's day and age, things have become easy with the introduction of apps like FaceTime and WhatsApp. You can always just get on a video call or send a voice note across to your family.

6. Explore the City You Are Living in

The unfamiliarity of a city can impact your well-being if you're already grappling with loneliness. Navigating through the city can aid in overcoming this sense of isolation.

You can go for a stroll through your neighborhood, either with friends or alone, to discover the charms your city has to offer. Take a walk in a nearby park, explore museums, or spend time in shopping centers to become more acquainted with your surroundings.

Venturing into a new place on your own will help you foster confidence.

7. Decorate Your Space

Personalizing your living space contributes to a sense of belonging and ease in your new life. Whether it's selecting bedding that suits your taste or displaying pictures of friends and family, these small touches can transform your house into a true home.

While decorating might seem like an expensive venture, there are many budget-friendly ways to enhance your housing. Taking the time to make your room cosy can be particularly beneficial if you're experiencing feelings of loneliness.

If you are looking for suitable student accommodations in the UK, for example, solutions like Best Student Halls can assist you with finding a great option.