It is well known that moving to a new home is stressful. Moving to a new city multiplies the stress even more, and moving to a completely different country is similar to the stress of having a baby.
A life-changing experience – just like moving to another country – can be overwhelming. Making sure that everything is all set – correct documents, removing, or leaving friends and family – is just the beginning.
You may have to get used to a different culture and settle down in a completely new environment. This can be difficult, but there are steps to reduce the stress you will experience.
Following them will make it easier for you to live your “new” life:
- Preparation,
- Analysis,
- Involvement,
- Patience and positive thinking,
- Adaptation,
- Realistic expectations,
- Pleasure.
Preparation for the move
Instead of leaving blindly or thinking that everything can be done after you arrive in your new country, take time to prepare what you need before you leave.
- Does the country you are moving to require a visa?
- Do you require any work permits?
- Do you have any animals and are you allowed to bring them with you?
Analysis before arrival
As you prepare to remove, analyze the country where you will spend all your time. Learn about its culture, history and traditions, as well as language. You don’t have to be a fluent speaker when you arrive, but learning about the norms of a new country can reduce the cultural shock significantly.
Visit websites aimed at tourists coming to the city or area where you intend to live. This will help you learn about local attractions, restaurants, bars and other facilities. This information will also give you a boost of confidence when you arrive.
In the 21st century, the internet is your best friend and your strongest ally. Each country has a website with information about immigration and country requirements. Read all the information about your new country and don’t forget to look at its government website for useful advice on migration.
Involvement in society
When you arrive and settle in your new home, it is important to get in touch with locals and other immigrants as soon as possible. You may not want this at first or believe that it will not help much. However, locals and older immigrants often have a lot of practical knowledge and experience that you can use to your advantage.
Their help cannot be underestimated. No matter if it is something as mundane as knowing which supermarket offers popular products, or recommending a builder for employment, it is important to build good relationships with the locals, as you will ask them for help and advice more often than you think. Moreover, making new friendships won’t hurt!
Patience and positive thinking
Living abroad is a unique set of challenges that can strain your brain and make you question your choices. There may be times when things will go differently from what you expect or want, or you may easily become frustrated when you try to learn the new language. Whatever causes the stress, patience and positive thinking are the key to overcoming it.
Developing these two skills will help you get out of trouble, whatever comes. Good thoughts can save you from stress and doubts. Another advantage of developing these two skills is that you can easily learn something from any situation. This will allow you to face even the most daunting problems.
Adaptation in the community
Humans are the dominant species, we adapt quickly to new situations and surroundings. This is an integral part of our nature and a necessity in case you want a successful life abroad.
As long as you do not live in an isolated immigrant community, you will experience new tastes, different traditions, new ways of living. If you keep a rigid way of thinking and expect everything to be the same as at home, you will prepare yourself for failure. Learning to adapt to the surroundings will help you feel more comfortable and less alienated.
Realistic expectations
Setting realistic expectations before and after the removal is extremely useful. It gives you goals to achieve and can stop you from trying to achieve everything at once.
Many people believe that after moving abroad they have to stay there forever, that the only way back to their home country is by a path full of shame. That’s not true.
Many situations are simply beyond our control, and we all make bad choices from time to time. So if life abroad does not work for you, there is no shame in returning home to rebuild and think about your profits and losses. It is only a failure if you acknowledge and present your experience.
Likewise, it may be helpful to set up appropriate expectations while you are abroad. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to try to speak the language fluently, adapt to the climate or join the local community as soon as you arrive.
Remember to do everything step by step.
Have fun after your removal!
Most importantly, have fun. You live (or intend to live) in a foreign country with its own history, folklore and culture. Use your free time to explore different regions of the country. If it has natural hot springs, go on a weekend trip and relax.
You can also visit museums and art galleries, explore local bars or arrange a barbecue for your neighbours. It doesn’t matter what you do or what your interests are – take the time to enjoy the different possibilities. Joy is always a great way to reduce stress and clear the mind.
