Just like anyone who moves to a new country, adjusting and navigating your way through could be a little or a lot difficult depending on certain factors that include but are not limited to;
1. The country in question
2. Any friends or family in the area
3. Proximity to local hotspots and hangouts
4. If the move was planned or unplanned
5. What stage of life you were in before the move happened
If you are an introvert like I am, adjusting to new surroundings could be a struggle as it has been for me since moving here. The circumstances surrounding my move meant that I really had no time to plan for what would be my new life in an unfamiliar space so basically I've really just been winging it. I do have family and a few friends, most of whom live in other states but after being in the U.S a little over a year now, I have had to figure out ways to help the adjustment process for me go quicker. So, if you are like me and have just recently moved to a new city or country, with little to no friends and are finding it slightly difficult to adjust or navigate your way through, maybe the tips I'm about to share will help you out a bit. I am still finding my way owing to the fact that I haven't lived here long but there are a couple of things I've incorporated into my life that don't make me feel so alienated in my new space.
1. Learn about your surroundings: I spend quite a bit of time online learning about where I live and knowing where to go to stay active and social. The movie theatre, Cinemark is close by where I live, there's a really cool cafe and a church that are both walking distance from me so whenever I feel like I need some me time, I go to any one of these places to plug in and reconnect with myself.
2. Stay active and present on social media: I can honestly say that it really wasn't until I settled in that I became more active on my social media. My Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest accounts were all pretty dull and boring and while they are still a work in progress, I have established more of a presence largely because of my blog but it was also an avenue to for me to connect with the rest of the world.
3. Read: Blogs, books, ebooks, whatever interests you. There's a ton of stuff you could be learning about instead of just paying attention to celebrity gossip or dance challenges (even though those are fun too). I suggest reading because you never know when you will find yourself in the company of people who may find your knowledge on a topic or topics fascinating.
4. Be part of a community: For me, that community was a bible believing church that would keep me connected to my faith and also bring me in contact with like-minded people who I hope to build lasting friendships with. It is pretty much anywhere you feel drawn to and that could be church, volunteer groups, book clubs etc.
5. Indulge your hobbies or anything you are passionate about: If you are not on the 9-5 grind, indulging a hobby (or even more than one) is the way to go. It keeps your mind active and gives you something to look forward to everyday. You never know, it could very well become your money maker some day.
These are tips that I use and that have helped me not feel so lost in a new place. Naturally, because my move was not pre-planned, I am deliberate about finding healthy ways to occupy myself and time that don't involve spending a ton of money, which is what I recommend if you are in a similar situation. If your move was planned on the other hand, then things like finding a job, joining a gym or learning a new skill would be ideal ways to help you navigate in a new space and possibly make new friends.
I hope this helps anyone and if you have any suggestions I could include in my current list that would help me , I'd be happy to try them out. I hope everyone is having a super productive week.
Love Always
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