For many reasons it maybe necessary to leave family and friends to live in another part of the world, another city, or even another part of town. Work, marriage, safety, new opportunities, health, or leaving a troublesome social situation are some of the reasons why it maybe necessary to uproot and leave all known securities behind. This is a common experience for many migrants.

All of a sudden you are in a new situation, new place, with no social network, no friends, and no one to share feelings with. The isolation, loneliness, and unpredictability, coupled with financial pressures are the perfect recipe for a downward spiral. There are actions that can be taken.

1) establish a social network– join a club, a community centre, a study group, a neighborhood house, a library, or a sports club. People are willing to reach out and help, but you have to be open to putting your hand out first.

2) get a job or join a course– this maybe easier said than done, however, there is no doubt that having a daily purpose is an important part of happiness and meeting new people.

3) use technology to stay connected– these days we are blessed to have many ways to maintain long distance relationships. Skype, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; You tube; Whats app; Viber, are some of the ways to be in touch.

4) lay down roots– it is important to have a place that you call home. Very few individuals are able to live a gypsy life without feeling restless and insecure. Find a physical location that is conducive, make it your own, and connect with neighbours and community members. It is important to feel that you belong somewhere.

5) be open to change– the nature of leaving familiar surroundings, opens you to the possibility that your new surrounds may not be conducive to your personality, lifestyle or interests. You need to give any one place enough time to come to this conclusion. However, if things are not working out, be open to move on. Only you will know when the time and place is right.

Sometimes it is just a matter of enough time before your roots fully take, and you start to flourish in your new environment. Take care of your physical, emotional, spiritual health whilst the process is happening.

In Health and Wellness