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“How To Deal With Feeling Homesick”

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Whether you miss your mom, your bed, your boots, your snowboard – or maybe you just miss being able to get around on your own, food from your town, or not struggling with an accent; here’s some tricks for getting past feeling home-sick. If you’re suffering from homesickness, remember you’re most definitely not the only one! Feeling homesick can be a very personal feeling that not everyone feels open talking about, so there’s a very high chance that those around you are also feeling the burn too, but just aren’t into sharing.

To give you a helping hand, I have gathered some of the best ways to combat that longing for home, so you can get back to focusing on your year in Israel.

“Go Easy On Yourself”

This is perhaps the best knowledge that I can share with you. Feeling homesickness isn’t a weakness, moreover, you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. Missing home is normal and things will only get worse if you think about it as something you should badly about.

Relax and just go with it

“Create a Routine”

I am sure that your gap year is full of activities to keep you busy, but, at the same time create a daily time to find your happy place. Mine? Coffee after lunch, even if I make it myself; it never lets me down.

 

“Don’t Spend Too Much Time In Your Room”

Even though it sounds very appealing to stay in your little safe haven that you have created for yourself but this can lead to boredom and boredom will lead straight to thinking. Remember that you are living with other students and instead of sitting around, go out, explore a new neighborhood, read a new book at the beach, go out for a coffee or grab some food with friends.

Get Out!

“Bring Comforts From Home”

We all have that go to comfort item that object that can never be forgotten. Whatever it is, we all have things that make us feel comforted when we’re not feeling our best. So, whatever your go to comfort object is make sure that you bring it on your gap year. Don’t worry, no one is judging you, I’m sure that your roomies also have their own hidden away somewhere.

Take home with you

 

“Stay Positive”

Of course, this is easier said than done. But try and make an effort to take on a positive attitude, this will help you every day to combat homesickness.

Plan things into your day that you enjoy doing and can look forward to, whether it’s grabbing a coffee with a new friend, or singing karaoke in your room.

Managing to stay upbeat also makes you fun to be around so another plus is you’ll find it easier to make new friends.

Stay Positive

“Explore New Places”

One of the main reasons we tend to feel lonely is because we are uncomfortable with our new surroundings. So to combat this it’s a great idea to explore your new city, find some cool places to hang out and before you know it, you will feel right at home.

Travel

“Ask For Help”

The change from high school to gap year in Israel can at first be tough to wrap your head around, remember, there is no shame asking for help. If you’re having any issues – with courses, or anything else for that matter—don’t suffer in silence.

If you’re feeling homesick or you’re worried about friends, money or whatever it is, keeping it all inside will only make things worse. So take it from me, open up and talk to someone. FYI, I’m sure that your school also has someone for you to reach out to.

Just ask me

Beth Zuckerman
Beth Zuckerman
Beth is a former Upper Westsider, who made aliyah 8 years ago. She is a coffee addict and a lover of classical rock. Beth is the content and marketing manager at talknsave, in that order.

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