The Stress of Being an Expat and Homesickness

Local Expert Series: Expat stress/worries with homesickness by Kristen

My husband and I had dinner with another expat couple recently, and the topic of homesickness came up. I've found this to be a pretty common topic of conversation among expats, as no matter where you're from, you're probably missing something and somebody.

My fellow expat was telling me that she is just "coming off of a week of homesickness". The way she put it makes it sound like homesickness is a physical ailment, akin to a cold or the flu. Of course it's not... exactly. But from my experience it does tend to come on pretty quickly, last a few days, and then fade away again. There are signs and symptoms of when homesickness is about to rear it's ugly head, and in my opinion, it's contagious!

There are days when the sun is bright, the radio is actually playing decent music, and for some reason I still just feel a little shadow of gloom over me. I've learned that this is just heartache... homesickness. The difference between a full blown attack of homesickness though, and just a moment of it, is what I do about it. I find that if I make plans (even just with myself), I'm better off. An afternoon dedicated to laundry and dishes is a sure-fire way to become full on depressed... but if instead I go to the beach, take some photos, and read the paper at the cafe, I'm okay again. It's even better, of course, if I can find someone to come along with.

And the rules are the same as the flu-bug... if you hang out with someone who is homesick, they are likely to give it to you! I know that when other expats reminisce about their hometowns, friends and family, pets they've left behind... I can't help but think about all of mine. How is this not going to lead to a bit of homesickness?

Above all other things though, it's my belief that stress is a great contributor to bringing on homesickness. New and foreign jobs, bills to pay, strange commutes to learn... it's all stress. We probably feel more than we thought we would- and we can't even blame anyone for it. We signed up for this!

Therefore, I think it is oh-so important for all of us expats to really examine our daily routines. Are we exercising? Are we eating healthy? Are we communicating? Are we sleeping well?

I make it a priority to eat healthy. The stress of moving to New Zealand had me eating quick and cheap food for over a month. I felt unfit, tired, and blue. Shortly after returning to the healthy eating that I knew before, I felt better... And along the same lines, I know that my husband and I have had a far better month just since purchasing a new mattress! More sleep means more energy, and more energy means better health. And less stress.

All of us expats need to make sure all of these healthy lifestyles are part of our daily routine, and not let excuses get in the way. Just the stress of being in our new and wonderful lives is plenty. Perhaps if we can minimize the stress, we can kick the homesickness bug for good. And I think the most important thing for all of us to remember is that just like the common cold, even a bad bout of homesickness won't last forever. Just get off the couch, call up a friend, and fight it!



If you have anything to add about your own experience relating to this article, or perhaps have a question for Kristen please leave her a comment below!

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