It isn’t easy combating homesickness
There are difficulties linked to moving far from home, such as losing my loved ones, familiar surroundings, and the little conveniences of everyday life. I miss the comforts of my childhood home, the smell of home-cooked food, and the company of my family on days when homesickness sets in. It can be quite difficult to adapt to a new country, new traditions, and new lifestyles, but I’ve eventually figured out how to feel at home even while I’m far away.
Finding solace in little, significant moments that provide a feeling of familiarity and belonging is more important than continually trying to recreate home precisely as it was.
1. Friends who feel like home
I now consider the people I’m close to here to be my second family, not just my classmates or friends. Their presence eases the pain of being away from home, whether it’s through eating together, late-night study sessions, or just hanging out. It makes a huge difference to have friends who support and understand me, who listen to me when I need to vent, and who share in my accomplishments. They bridge the gap caused by my physical separation from my family by offering the warmth and company I miss from home. These friendships have, in many respects, served as the cornerstone of my feeling of acceptance in this new environment.
2. Calls that close the distance
Nothing compares to the comfort of hearing my family’s voices, even though time zones can be challenging. These calls serve as a reminder that love and support are only a phone call away, whether I’m catching up with old friends from back home, having a lengthy argument with my sister, or just checking in with my parents. Even if it’s only for a short period, a simple discussion may sometimes make my entire day better and transport me back to my comfortable surroundings. By enabling me to see the faces of my loved ones, observe my dogs acting naughtily, and participate in family gatherings even when I’m far away, video calls make me feel closer to my family. Even if they are virtual, these moments of connection provide me with a sense of belonging and a reminder that love is not diminished by distance.
3. Hobbies that feel like an escape
Having hobbies that I can rely on, like writing, reading, or working out, helps me feel normal. While going to the gym serves as a reminder of my home habits, journaling aids in the processing of my emotions. Writing gives me the opportunity to express my emotions and think back on my experiences, transforming my ideas into something concrete. By doing these things, I’m able to create a routine in my life that is similar to what I had before relocating, which helps this new place feel a little less alien and more like home.
4. Food that feels like home
I am instantaneously reassured by the flavor of familiar food for some reason. Food is one of the things that connects me to my heritage the most, whether it’s locating a restaurant that serves good shahi paneer or preparing a basic daal in the Ogg kitchen. It can be very reassuring to cook using family recipes, taste foods that bring back memories of home, or even inhale the aroma of spices that bring back recollections of family dinners. Food is more than simply nourishment; it’s also a source of comfort, connection, and memories.
Although I live far away, these small but important things serve as a reminder that home is a sense that I can take with me wherever I go. Home is found in the routines I establish, the connections I foster, and the little pleasures that provide comfort and familiarity. Even though I will always yearn for my home country, I’ve discovered that I can make a home wherever I am and find it in unexpected places. Life feels right because of the people, the memories and the small things.