Overcoming Homesickness

Going away for a month, and for me being the first time ever without my parents it's terrifying to say the least, even at 22. I thought I'd be on the next flight out three days into it because I didn't think I could do it without my best friend, AKA my mom and Shea. As obvious as it sounds I couldn't do that. So I did some research as well as figuring it out on my own. I found ways to beat being homesick when your away for a decent amount of time:

1. Bring photos from home to hang up on the wall.

2. Write to your loved ones (Not on a text message, actually mail them a card).

3. Don't let yourself fall into being a Debbie-Downer. (The people your with are going through it too, talk to them).

4. Make a routine like you do at home.

5. Go out alone and do something you wouldn't normally.

- I would go to the local cafe to get coffee and try to speak with the locals.

6. Don't let your emotions get the best of you, go out anyway and explore!

7. FaceTime every three days.

8. Don't make plans for coming home, enjoy what's in front of you now.

As homesickness is a hard habit to break when you are really feeling down, don't let it get the best of you. My friend Christine got it so bad she had to go to the hospital for a panic attack. We lost a whole day in Italy for it. What I kept telling myself when I was there that 'You wanted to do this, so enjoy it! Your going to go home sooner than you think and will want to come back right when you land on the plane home'. Don't let homesickness ruin your experience!