Studying abroad is probably one of the most life-changing and exciting parts of your life. With the endless opportunities that can be presented, it is hard to even consider how one could become homesick. Nevertheless, despite how strange yet fulfilling it is to immerse yourself in a completely new culture, moments of doubt, loneliness and homesickness seem to almost always seem to creep in. And usually at the worst of times as well.

I am definitely no stranger to feeling homesick, especially since Thanksgiving just passed. Yes, I absolutely love being able to live in a fairy tale city with each and every quirk, but I would be lying if I said that every day was like a scene out of a movie. In fact, the program I am in only has me taking three classes this quarter. It’s an understatement to say boredom can creep in out of nowhere.

This last week I spent a few days stressed out about packing, returning home, reverse culture shock (which is a whole other story) and more! Most importantly it did not help that there are only three weeks left here and families in the states were gathering for Thanksgiving without me. Times like these, times when it feels like everything back home is moving on without you and you feel as if you have no direction over your life, are when you feel most alone.

The amount of times I wanted to reach out to my parents or friends and ask them to come over and help are uncountable. It’s crazy to think, but many people want to head home before the program is over and can regret so much if they do. And even simple things, like trips to Target, coffee dates and random meals are definitely yearnings that always seem to hit at random times.

Nevertheless, whether you are missing a close friend or family member or the atmosphere and ambiance of your hometown, here are two things I have been doing to overcome homesickness.

1. Stay off social media. I know, easier said than done. But constantly checking social networks like Instagram or Facebook may make you feel like you are missing out on other opportunities. FOMO is my biggest weakness even though I am making my own memories here. It may also increase the likelihood of comparing yourself to your friends in your home country. If anything, the consistent scrolling through photos just takes away time from your own study abroad experience.
2. Give yourself a self-care day. I think it is safe to say that homesickness is synonymous with sluggish and apathetic behavior, especially to ourselves. I know that when I feel lonely, my motivation tends to drop to zero and I spend most of my day in bed with the curtains drawn bingeing whatever Netflix series is trending. And yes, while we all have those days where we sleep in just a little too late and stay in our pajamas until noon, taking some time to clean up your space can make all the difference. Whether you have a heap of laundry sitting in the corner of the room, an empty stomach that has not eaten since yesterday morning or a closet that is in desperate need of being reorganized, take some time to take care of yourself and the space you are living in. Even if it means ticking off just one out of the several boxes on your “To-Do” list, finishing a single task can make you feel that much more accomplished and less lonely.

Homesickness is something we all deal with, especially those who study abroad. Luckily, there are always ways to overcome or at least ease the feeling of loneliness that is common during a semester or year abroad.