Travelling with a backpack and travelling with a suitcase for good are two very different experiences. As a tourist, you scratch the surface of a city to enjoy or relax. Moving in means being uprooted and introduced to a new world altogether- a new locality, a new civic system, a new atmosphere and most importantly, a need to adapt yourself to the new environment.

Where is the grocer? 

Why is this so expensive?

How do I get a cab here?

Who do I talk to?

Why am I here?

These are some of the common questions that come along when you doubt the possibility of your survival in the unknown. Fret not, moving to a new city can be nerve wrecking and maybe as you walk down the road the first day, you’d hold on tight to your handbag and pray that the world would be kind to you, but, despite the jitters and uncertainty, combatting your fears can give you an all new high.

How To Cope With Moving Away

When you are alone and stuck amidst responsibility and curiosity, there can be many challenges to combat. Here are 6 of the most common ailments and their solutions:

1. Combatting loneliness alone:

There’s a difference between feeling lonely and being alone. Lonely makes you feel self- pity or depressed whereas alone is what we all are and that gives us a strength to make way for ourselves. However, being alone can have its days of feeling lonely – that’s absolutely normal.

Start by taking little steps. It’s always advisable to get to know those who live close by; true stories come from locals rather than guide books. Stay open tp the possibility of making friends outside your ‘normal’ circle.

Joining interest groups and classes in your area – it can help you discover talent as well as help you make friends. Check online for social support of the kind. If not, start volunteering – it’s a great way to meet people.

Don’t forget to stay in touch with your old loved ones [but don’t spend eons on Skype].

2. Know your way around

Thanks to Google maps, you’d almost never feel lost in a city, provided you have the internet on your phone. Discover cool new hidden spots, meet new people, stay calm and most of all, enjoy the challenge.

Spend some time doing a bit of online research, but don’t resort to seeing the city on a screen.

3. Have a blast but keep your wits about you

 

It’s necessary to keep your head held high and eyes on the lookout. A great way to be responsible is to keep a track of the crime statistics. This will give you an idea of how to adjust your timings and stay safe.

Maintain a checklist for all your tasks, even if you are someone who has more clothes hanging around their sofa than in their cupboard. It’s easy to drift into party-culture thinking. This will help you feel busy and purposeful.

4. Dive into your city’s culture

To minimize the culture shock associated with moving to a new place, before shifting, find out which kind you are moving into: Individualistic or Collectivist. Individualistic emphasizes on ideals like self- identity and such cultures focus on building an individual. They see themselves as distinct and separate beings as opposed to collectivistic where aspects like family, belonging, compromise and togetherness are promoted.

In simple language, if you’re moving into an individualistic culture, don’t be surprised if your neighbors leave you be. If you’re moving into a collectivist neighborhood, don’t be surprised if the woman next door visits often.

One safe tip is to be friendly and try to understand rather than react in case you are told something you wouldn’t want to hear. The key is to be open- minded and welcome a whole new way of thinking.

5. Learn the language

It’s always a perk if you do an extra bit of research. Knowing the elementary aspects of the traditional language helps you feel at home with the locals. A few phrases and questions help in an emergency. Join language classes if people speak in the home tongue more than English.

It isn’t just the verbal speak you need to get used to.

If you’re moving to a new country, you’ll have to re-learn body language. How close you need to be standing to a colleague, what is considered formal/informal, what work etiquette is acceptable – it all varies.

6. Don’t let the wanderlust die out

It can be stressful – the moving. You tend to forget what a holiday means and hence, it’s extremely important to keep your bucket list fresh with all that you love.

Spend time doing things you’ve always loved. These will help you relax and unwind.

Go shopping, walk the streets, join the local gym and talk to the natives. Remember, no matter which city you’re in, a smile is universally accepted.

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