Sunshine in the Haze

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It started as a few tearful nights.

But slowly, any shard of motivation I had fell off the face of the Earth.

I fell silent.

For me, being homesick looked like depression. It’s ugly fingers wrapped around my joy and cut me off from the world.

January, 2025 marked the first anniversary of moving away from my family and hometown. It’s been a huge adjustment, but the biggest challenge was learning how to navigate my feelings and find my stride again.

I’m not claiming that I never feel homesick, but the things I’m sharing today have helped me cope with the rough patches.

13 Ways to Combat Homesickness

Whether you’re a college student or a 42-year-old who just moved across the globe, I pray this list will bring you comfort in your time of transition.

Everyone says it gets better, but it’s more about learning how to temporarily live without the people who bring you joy.

1. Cook a familiar meal

Is there someone back home that makes the greatest meals of all time? Ask them for your favorite recipe and make it in your new environment.

It may seem silly, but eating something familiar can make the world of difference.

Since I come from the south, my favorite thing to make is white gravy. It’s such a mood booster!

2. Listen to vibey music

This can look like listening to an old playlist or finding new songs that fill your soul with all the feels.

Songs that make me cry help me voice the feelings I can’t put into words, but I have to limit myself. If I only listen to tearful music, I get stuck in my sadness.

Happy songs that make you look forward to good things are essential!

3. Find your community

One of the best things I did to help me heal (as much as I can) was find the right church. It didn’t bring me comfort at first, but I’m starting to find family in these strangers.

Sometimes I struggle with feeling guilty over using my energy to connect with new people, but I’m learning—with my family’s encouragement—it’s okay to share myself. It doesn’t make anybody back home less important.

4. Or stay in to watch a movie

Nothing can replace fueling your community tank, but sometimes you just need a quiet night at home with your favorite movie and snacks.

Similar to learning how to connect with others in your new environment, it’s just as important to learn how to be okay with alone time.

Being alone for a little while doesn’t mean your actually alone. I’m speaking to my separation anxiety here…

5. Explore local shops and restaurants

I love exploring the local shops and restaurants around my new home. Coffee shops are my favorite!

Places that made me uncomfortable at first are now my favorite places to be!

6. Find ways to spend your time productively

You have to be careful not to throw yourself into so much productivity that you don’t allow yourself the time to feel out all your emotions, but if done wisely, using your time productively is a great way to lift your spirits.

For starters, those mundane tasks on your to-do list are free dopamine.

Productive time is especially beautiful when you add music to the mix! (Hey! If you’ve read or listened up to this point, comment an animal emoji! 🐼)

7. Discover new hobbies

Going a step further, finding new creative hobbies is a genius use of downtime! This could be painting, blogging, sports, learning a new language, or even dog sitting.

If you struggle with enjoying new hobbies, maybe take up an extended or shortened version of a hobby you already have.

For example, if you love adult coloring books, head to your closest Dollar Tree and pick out some kid coloring books.

8. Eat with friends or co-workers

Sunday afternoons are extra difficult for me. It’s the time of the week that my family gathers around a table to eat my mom’s amazing food… 800 miles away eating.

In hopes to ease this pain, I planned out a “fancy”, albeit easy, meal for my husband and I every Sunday afternoon to make me feel closer to my family.

But what’s even better for my soul is eating with others.

This became clear to me when a small family invited my husband and I to eat at their house with them. As we were pulling out of their driveway after eating, I boohooed tears of not only locked up sadness but also happiness.

Even if it’s emotional, if someone invites you to go out to eat with them, say YES whenever possible. Only if it’s safe and good for your emotional health, of course.

9. Organize & decorate your space

Search through Pinterest for ideas for your dorm or house and go crazy! If your space is already decorated, think of any ways you can reorganize or add to the space.

You would be surprised how helpful it is to make your new place feel more homey.

I thought it would make me feel worse to see my new place becoming my home, but it actually makes it sweeter to come back to after visiting my family.

10. Bring an item from home

Don’t move away from home without bringing something familiar with you. This can be as simple as a stuffed animal or your favorite spoon from the cutlery draw.

Think about the things you use everyday and stash it in a box to take with you to your new place.

11. Share your new home with your family

Even if your family can’t come visit your new place, make sure to send pictures of your surroundings to them.

Every picture I send of my house and environment, the closer I feel to my family. It makes both parties feel seen.

12. Ask your family to buy you a gift

Hear me out! Ask your family to buy something that you can use everyday like a water bottle, backpack, or t-shirt.

I guarantee, everytime you use that item you will instantly feel a bit closer. I have a necklace and a hair scrunchie that my sister gave me YEARS ago that I still put on to feel closer.

13. Spend time in prayer & journaling

I won’t pretend… Having my husband helped me so much! I can’t imagine moving away without anyone by my side.

However, more than my husband’s helping hand, knowing that God has me in His arms is the biggest help. He lead me where I am, and He will not leave me stranded.

Praying and journaling about your feelings is the most important use of your time right now. Don’t like writing? Use speech-to-text on your phone or a recording app.

Nothing can replace time with God and your raw emotions.

We’re in This Together

Distance is lonely sometimes, but we’re in this together! Take the time to adjust and talk to your family as much as you can even if it hurts.

It’s okay to cry or feel lost. It’s a part of the healing process. All the feels will fluctuate. Saying goodbye will always hurt, but it makes saying hello that much sweeter.

Thank you for reading, beloved reader! ❤️

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