Five Things to Avoid Feeling Homesick!

1. Realize that it is totally normal!
   It is important to acknowledge that feeling homesick is a completely normal thing to experience and you definitely are not alone. If anything, it is good you are experiencing these emotions; it means you are human! Let yourself feel all the feels, but it is important to not let these emotions completely consume you. Adjusting comes with being in a new environment. You just need to give yourself time. Be kind to yourself and remember that this feeling will pass!
2. Distract yourself!
   If you feel as if you are stuck in a loop of negative emotions, it can be helpful to find things to keep your mind off of it. Some good distractions can be cleaning your room, going out to grab a bite with friends, organizing, or going for a walk.
3. Make sure you are practicing self-care!
   It is easy to forget to take care of yourself when you are distracted with other things or emotions that may feel as if they are dominating your life. Take care of yourself physically and mentally, and don’t be afraid to treat yourself! Take yourself out for that sweet treat or that Dunkin drink.
4. Stay in touch with friends and family from home!
   When you move to a different environment it is super important to meet new people, but don’t forget about your friends and family at home! Make sure you keep in touch with people from home who make you happy. Just because you don’t live near them anymore doesn’t mean you should drift away. While keeping in touch with your friends and family from home, don’t let that limit you! Go out, don’t be afraid to see new faces!

5. Bring some friendly reminders of home!

Living away from home can be scary. Something that I find super helpful is bringing along some familiarity from home: whether it’s a special stuffed animal, a blanket, or photos of people who feel like home. With everything that has changed, I find it comforting to have some things that can stay the same!