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"Creating Your Sanctuary"

An Article By Samar Karam ✏️

October 12, 2023

Globetrotter’s fresh start in a short time.

Individuals living and working in a country different from their own, with high rotation often face various challenges and changes in their new environment. Creating a sense of familiarity and comfort is important to adapt as moving to a new country can be overwhelming, both culturally and socially. By creating a sense of familiarity, expats can facilitate their adaptation process, feel more at ease, and adjust more quickly to their new surroundings.

Feeling at home helps their emotional well-being and gives them a better quality which helps with their productivity. A familiar and comfortable setting always does the trick and allows them to be more efficient and effective in their tasks, ultimately benefiting both their personal and professional lives. Here are some ideas.

Make it cozy!

Expats need to create a cozy living space to personalize their new home with familiar items from their previous homes and display photos, artwork, and decorations that hold sentimental value to them.

Food glorious food!

Cook what you favor and remind you of good memories, a home is not a home without the smell of baking or the aroma of your favorite comfort food.
Also Look for your familiar foods Seek out grocery stores or markets that sell ingredients you are accustomed to cooking or eating familiar foods can provide a sense of comfort.

Establish routines and stick to your regular routines as much as possible. This can include morning walks, weekly outings, or trying a new recipe. Having familiar routines can make you feel more grounded in your new environment.

When you’re in Rome

Explore the local culture and see what connects you to it. Embrace the local customs, traditions, and activities. Participate in local festivals, visit museums, try new foods, and engage in cultural activities. Learning about the local culture can help you build connections with the community and help you discover new things about yourself that you have never known existed.
Joining social community groups is a blessing. Look for social groups in your new location. These groups can provide a support network and opportunities to meet people with similar experiences. Socializing and making friends will make you feel less isolated and more connected to your new surroundings.

Leave a piece of your heart back home

Stay connected with loved ones, keep in touch with family and friends back home through video calls, messaging apps, or social media, and make it very regular no matter what the regularity keeps the heart warm. Maintaining these connections can alleviate feelings of homesickness and provide a sense of belonging.

It is never too late to learn

Learn the new language wherever you go. Investing time in learning the local language is a specialty skill as even basic knowledge can help you navigate daily life, communicate more effectively, and integrate better into the local community.

Stay Healthy

Do not let stress take over. Maintain healthy habits by engaging in activities that help you relax, reduce stress, and maintain your physical and mental well-being. This could include exercise, meditation, hobbies, or joining a local gym or sports club.

Become a local explorer

Explore the surrounding areas and take the time to explore your new city or town. Find out about nearby parks, nature reserves, or cultural sites that you can visit. Familiarizing yourself with the surroundings can make you feel more connected to the place. Eat what the locals eat and go places where the locals go to belong.

Finally … stay positive and be patient adjusting to a new environment takes time. Stay positive, embrace the adventure, and be patient with yourself as you navigate the initial phases of adapting to a new home.

Remember, feeling at home is a personal process, and it can take time to fully settle in. Embrace the new experiences, make connections, and find joy in the journey of creating a warm home.

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