How to Deal with Homesickness: 6 Tips for Coping

Homesickness is a universal feeling that can hit anyone who has moved away from home. Whether it’s your first time away from family or you’re living in a completely new city or country, the emotions that come with being away from your familiar surroundings can be overwhelming. Homesickness is a deep longing for your home and the people, places, and routines that make it feel like your safe space. It’s completely normal to feel homesick when you’re adjusting to new environments, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply suffer through it.

If you’re wondering how to deal with homesickness, there are plenty of practical steps you can take to feel better. Below are six tips that can help you manage your emotions and ease the pain of being away from home.

1. Acknowledge Your Homesickness

One of the first things to do when you’re feeling homesick is to acknowledge it. Trying to ignore your feelings or convince yourself that you shouldn’t feel this way will only make things worse. Accepting that homesickness is a normal part of transitioning to a new place is key to moving forward.

It’s okay to miss your home, your friends, and the comforts you’re used to. Emotions like sadness or frustration are part of the process of adaptation, so it’s essential to give yourself permission to feel them. Once you accept your homesickness, you can begin to take proactive steps to cope.

Some people find journaling helpful as a way to process their feelings. Writing about what you miss and why it’s hard can offer a sense of release. Alternatively, practicing mindfulness or meditation might allow you to sit with your emotions without becoming overwhelmed. It’s all about finding the strategy that works best for you.

If you find comfort in the little things that remind you of home, consider lighting a SASSENACH Soy Candle. The familiar scents of oakmoss and Highland mist can provide a soothing atmosphere and help you feel connected to your roots.

2. Stay Connected to Loved Ones

One of the hardest parts of homesickness is the physical distance from family and friends. The good news is that technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected, no matter how far apart you are.

Make it a point to reach out to loved ones, even if just for a quick chat. Schedule regular video calls or phone conversations to keep those bonds strong. Texts, emails, and social media messages can also be comforting ways to stay in touch. If possible, surprise them with a thoughtful letter or care package. The physical act of sending something personal can be a great way to keep the relationship feeling alive.

While it’s important for others to reach out to you, take the initiative to contact them too. Relationships thrive when both people make the effort. If you’re feeling homesick, the act of talking with someone familiar can offer instant comfort.

Incorporate a little ritual to your routine, like lighting a Field of Sunflowers Soy Candle while you chat with friends or family. The warm, honeyed amber scent can help create a calming environment while you connect with loved ones.

3. Keep Items That Remind You of Home

Sometimes, the best way to manage homesickness is to surround yourself with objects that make you feel closer to home. These touchstones can act as anchors in a new, unfamiliar place.

You might bring along photos from home, a favorite blanket, or a keepsake that holds sentimental value. For example, a city-scented candle or state-themed candle might evoke memories of your hometown. These familiar objects provide a sensory reminder of where you come from, helping you stay grounded.

Consider creating a dedicated space in your new home to display these items. You could designate a small corner with your favorite pictures, a candle, or a plant that reminds you of home. This visual and olfactory connection can be a small but powerful way to feel more settled.

If you’re searching for a candle that captures the essence of your roots, consider the Timeless Tales Soy Candle. Its blend of leather, musk, and amber can transport you back to a favorite memory or place.

4. Make the Most of Your New Location

Homesickness often stems from feeling like your new place isn’t quite as comfortable or welcoming as home. However, one of the best ways to combat this feeling is to start exploring your new environment.

Take the time to discover what makes your new city or town unique. There are always hidden gems in every location—whether it’s a quirky café, a peaceful park, or a cozy bookstore. When you start to appreciate what your new surroundings have to offer, it becomes easier to see the positives in your situation.

If you’re not sure where to start, do some research. Find out what your new city, state, or country is known for and make a list of things to do. Whether it’s trying out local cuisine or hiking in a nearby nature reserve, there’s no shortage of ways to engage with your new location.

Lighting a candle like My Weekends Are Booked Soy Candle can help set the mood for new adventures. The refreshing blend of pineapple and sage can inspire you to explore with a sense of curiosity and excitement.

5. Stay Busy and Get Out of the House

When you’re feeling homesick, it can be tempting to stay indoors, wrapped in your thoughts. While it’s okay to have a down day now and then, staying in isolation for too long can deepen feelings of sadness and longing. It’s crucial to get out and about, even when you don’t feel like it.

One of the best ways to distract yourself from homesickness is by exploring your new environment. Take a walk around the neighborhood, visit a local museum, or even try out a nearby coffee shop. It doesn’t have to be a major event; just getting out and moving around can help break the cycle of negative thoughts.

If you’re not sure where to start, begin with small activities that take you out of your home but don’t require too much energy. For instance, going for a short walk or taking public transportation to a nearby store can provide a change of scenery. Gradually, you’ll become more comfortable with your surroundings and will feel less homesick.

To create a peaceful atmosphere at home after your excursions, you can light a candle like The Writer Soy Candle. Its creamy vanilla and smoke fragrance will help calm your mind after an exciting day out, providing a soothing and cozy ambiance for relaxation.

6. Create a New Routine

One of the reasons homesickness can be so difficult is that it disrupts the familiar routines we’ve built. Routines offer a sense of stability and security, so when you lose them, it can create uncertainty and increase feelings of discomfort.

To deal with homesickness, try creating a new routine for yourself. Set a schedule for work, leisure, and personal time that will help you feel more settled in your new place. Whether it’s going for a morning walk, visiting the same café every weekend, or having a specific evening ritual, building a sense of normalcy is key to feeling more at home.

Another great idea is to familiarize yourself with local spots that you can frequent regularly. This could include choosing a regular grocery store, a coffee shop, or a park. Establishing these new routines will help you feel more connected to your new environment and ease the transition.

As you create your new routine, consider lighting a SASSENACH Soy Candle while you read a book or enjoy your new favorite local treat. This will not only add to your daily comfort but also infuse your space with a calming atmosphere that can help you feel more grounded.

Additional Tips for Overcoming Homesickness

While the six strategies above are helpful, there are other little tricks you can try to speed up your adjustment process.

1. Join a Local Community: Finding a community in your new home can ease homesickness. Whether it's through a local meetup group, volunteering, or taking a class, connecting with others who share your interests can help you build a new social circle.

2. Travel Back to Visit Home (If Possible): If you’re really struggling with homesickness, planning a trip back home can give you something to look forward to. A visit home can help you recharge and alleviate some of the feelings of loss. However, remember that the purpose of the trip is to feel better, not to escape your new environment.

3. Focus on Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental health will support your emotional well-being. Eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and engage in physical activities like yoga, running, or stretching to reduce stress and anxiety.

Conclusion: Making Homesickness Part of Your Journey

Homesickness is a natural and often unavoidable feeling when adjusting to a new place. However, it doesn’t have to control your life. By acknowledging your feelings, staying connected with loved ones, surrounding yourself with familiar comforts, exploring your new environment, staying active, and creating a new routine, you can gradually ease your homesickness.

As you work through this adjustment, remember that it’s okay to miss home—it’s a sign of the love and comfort that place holds for you. Embrace the process of creating new memories in your new space, and allow yourself to feel the joy that comes with new experiences.

And, whenever you need a little reminder of home, consider lighting a Timeless Tales Soy Candle or Field of Sunflowers Soy Candle to transport you back to the comfort of the familiar. With time, your new home will start to feel just as special as the place you left behind.