This article provided by: Gifted Healthcare
Homesickness
Homesickness can be defined as “an experience of longing for one’s home during a period of absence away from it.” Everyone has felt homesick at some point, and it’s not a good feeling. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to avoid it.
It’s normal to feel homesick at some point during your travel nursing assignment, so we recommend preparing for it. Read on for some tips on how to fight feeling homesick during your assignment.
Research Your New City
There are ways to battle homesickness before you even leave home. Doing your research is one of them.
Learn everything you can about your destination. Look for locations and activities that are like the ones you enjoy in your hometown, and plan on visiting them when you arrive. Spending your first few days exploring your new city will make it feel less mysterious and will allow you to relate to new people you meet.
Develop a Routine
Human beings are creatures of habit. The sooner you develop a daily or weekly routine, the sooner you’ll feel comfortable.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid trying new things. In fact, the stability of a daily routine will make new activities more exciting and provide comfort if you encounter a disappointing situation.
If you don’t know anyone in your new city, you may have more free time than you have at home. Take the opportunity to grow and incorporate new challenges into your routine – learn a language, take on a new hobby, or join a club.
Take Ownership Over Your New Living Space
Settling into your new living space is essential. Do whatever you can to make yourself feel at home.
Bring familiar household items, pictures of family and friends, or your favorite pillow. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your new place, and taking ownership over your personal space is one of the best ways to avoid feeling homesick.
Stay Connected, but Don’t Overdo It
Find a middle ground when it comes to staying connected to friends and family back home. Occasional phone calls and emails will help you avoid feeling isolated, but constant communication is a bad idea.
You won’t enjoy the present moment if you are always communicating with people back home. If you ever start feeling nostalgic or lonely, try to reframe your perspective and engage with the opportunity to meet new people.
Be Social
Moving to a new city is the best time to get out of your comfort zone.
If your coworkers spend time together after work, join them. Be willing to accept invitations to social events and make yourself available to others. Developing a new friend group is a great way to familiarize yourself with your new city and will do wonders for your confidence and state of mind.
Plan a Trip with Friends and Family
Share your new city with the people you love! Invite your friends or family to visit you during your assignment.
Make sure you’ve settled in before your loved ones arrive. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with your new city, you’ll be able to show your guests all your favorite spots and introduce them to your new friends. This will give you something to look forward to and elevate your mood during your stay.
Homesickness Is Normal, and You Can Beat It
Remember that homesickness is common. If you ever feel homesick during your assignment, take action.
Tell yourself that it will end and feel grateful that your permanent home is a place you love. Then, seize the day during your travel nursing adventure!
Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?
