Embracing New Beginnings: How to Deal with Loneliness After Relocation

By Life in Progress - November 15, 2023

Relocating: it's the adult version of the first day at a new school or your first day at a new job, DREADFUL! You’re in a new place, where every street corner is unfamiliar, your go-to spot is yet to be discovered and life as you know it is completely altered. You've packed up all your things ready for this new life, you arrive and you're looking in the crowd for a friendly face or a sign saying, "New friends found here!" It's an emotional cocktail – one part excitement, two parts anxiety, with a spoonful of loneliness to taste. In my case, it was most parts anxiety and other parts doubt

Relocation is a major life change, and with it comes a rollercoaster of emotions. Being an overthinker makes it even worse because you’re stuck worrying about what’s next to come and then over planning. If this sounds like you, you're not alone in feeling alone. You may have noticed that this blog is my secret diary where I stylishly share things of interest and look for coping mechanisms. It's not going to be different with this next post. Some of you already know I recently relocated for my master’s; and yes! The home sickness be hitting this baby girl hard on some days. So, let’s delve into the ways of dealing with the loneliness that comes with relocating.

Tips for dealing with loneliness from relocation.

1. Recognize the Rollercoaster of Relocation

First off, acknowledge that what you’re feeling is normal, recognize that loneliness is as much a part of the moving process as unpacking boxes. For me, I felt nothing. I was completely numb in the first few weeks of my arrival but when the emotions hit, they hit like a mighty wave. I’m not very adventurous and I don’t like uncertainties, and this has made relocation quite the bumpy ride. I’m just realizing that It's okay to feel adrift; after all, you've just stepped off the familiar shores of home into the unknown

2. Explore Your New Environment

For my people who like to remain in their shell, the best way to shrink the feeling of loneliness is to enlarge your world. Get out there and explore. Try new things, embark on new adventures, create new hobbies. One of the things I have picked up since relocating is going on long walks. I have figured that these walks help me stay sane and somehow gives me a sense of belonging. Every landmark you recognize, every local coffee shop you claim as your own, starts to make this new community feel like home.

3. Socialize Smart: Connect with Purpose

Some people say in the age of social media, you're never truly alone. While this is true, this also has its downsides. It is very easy to get carried away with social media that you forget we live in a real world with real people. I understand the struggles of making friends in your adult years, especially because I can be very introverted and shy. I went to a friend’s birthday party the other day and I felt very out of place, majorly because I was in a new environment with a group of people I didn’t know, and I just didn’t feel like I fit in(or maybe they weren’t as receptive as I’d expected). I went home feeling like I could have been more outspoken and who knows, I could have made a new friend. Socialize at every opportunity but don’t force anything. Be more outspoken, approach people, start conversations. What’s the worst that’ll happen? You’ll get snubbed? That’s okay, no one wants to be friends with snobs anyway. Instead of using social media as an avenue to escape reality, use these online platforms to find local events, meetups, or clubs that spark your interest. If you have any suggestions, please drop them in the comments, let’s build new connections and friendships.

4. Maintain Existing Relationships.

Keep your old friends on speed dial. It is very easy to get caught up in the rollercoaster of relocation that you forget life is happening to everyone at the same time. Remember you are just a call or text away from your loved ones back at home. Keeping the lines of communication open with your tribe can provide a comforting continuity in your life. To my besties, you guys better not think of replacing me.

5. Consider a Furry Companion

People say pets are a man’s best friend, or is it dogs? I’m not sure now but you get what I mean. If your situation allows, getting a pet could fill your home with love and give you a sense of companionship. I personally don’t like any creature that moves and is not a human being (actually, we can throw a little bit of humans into the mix) but my alter ego lives in a pent house with a dog named Skylar and they are best of friends. They say animals have a way of filling spaces in places and hearts we didn’t even know were empty. This is your sign to get a pet if you love animals.

6. Be Patient

Be patient with yourself. This is one tough tip for me to swallow because I’m very hard on myself and I never extend the same grace to myself as I do to others. It is important to remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your new life in this new country. Do not force friendships, let it all flow naturally. Nobody wants to be stuck in a friendship with a group of people who they have to force a vibe with. Give yourself the grace to take it one day at a time.

7. Prioritizing Selfcare

I’m sure by now you guys know how passionate I am about selfcare. SELFCARE IS THE BEST CARE! Invest in self-care, discover what makes you tick, develop yourself. Use this solitary time to get to know yourself better. I’m recently learning a lot of new things about myself, and I am so shocked at some of the things I’m uncovering. The better your company, the less daunting the loneliness.

8. Seeking Professional Help if Needed

Mental health is health. If you are overwhelmed by loneliness, please do not feel ashamed to reach out and seek professional help from a therapist or a counselor. Sometimes we might need to talk to people other than our friends or family and that is totally okay. Prioritize your mental health, it is just as important as your physical health.

Relocating can indeed feel like a solo journey at times, but it's also an open door to self-discovery and new chapters. Embrace the new beginnings, life is giving you another opportunity to start over and get everything you desire. Remember, the only way to move forward is to keep moving. – one interaction, one smile, and one day at a time.