Think about it. You just moved to a whole new city where you don’t know anyone in order to do something completely new. Loneliness and fear might be creeping on you. But know that you are also f*****g brave.
I am sure you are having mixed feelings about this new chapter of your life. And here are five tips on how to cope with this new life and if you have been feeling lonely lately.
1. Loneliness is okay
Everyone is different and we don’t always react to life changes the same way. But keep in mind that, it’s okay if you are overwhelmed and it’s okay if you are feeling sad, lonely, anxious or even lost.
In fact, the first thing you have to know and probably the most important thing is, whatever you are feeling, it’s okay.
I promise this is not going to last forever.
You are going to be okay.
2. Take care of yourself
Sometimes, when we are feeling lost or lonely, we forget about the most important thing: ourselves.
So make sure you leave time aside to pamper and indulge in yourself.
Eat a good meal, get a good night sleep, go outside for a walk every day if you can, try discovering new parts of London, read a book, a journal, meditate, watch a movie…
Also, it’s really important that you don’t forget to exercise. It’s good for your body and it’s amazing for your mind.
It’s crucial that you feel good about yourself.
Helpful resources:
- Best places to discover in London
- Best London parks
- Cozy and nurturing foods
- Top UK bestselling books
3. Make your surroundings feel like home
You just moved to a whole new city and probably everything around you just feels out of place. But this is going to be your home. Keep an open mind about it and try to make it yours.
This is going to be a safe space. Add some plants, get warm lights, pictures, wall art and so on.
It’s not a matter of a couple of days, but ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, it’s going to take some time. But you have to enjoy the process.
Walk around your neighbourhood and get familiar with everything. Discover what are the new cafés, restaurants, the best bookstores, supermarkets and parks near you.
When you start feeling comfortable with your surroundings you are going to gain a lot of confidence and start losing that loneliness feeling.
4. Find out what you like and join different local communities
Ask yourself what your hobbies are.
What do you like to do?
What are you passionate about?
Sit down for a minute and make a list of everything you can think of.
Now, go on the internet and find the right communities you can join. There is something for everyone.
I know anxiety can make meeting new people really difficult but if you do the things you like, you are going to find people you love.
Helpful resources:
- Meetup App (Android and iOs): This App is great to meet new people that are passionate about the same things that you love. There is an activity for you here. And a lot of them are free!
- Facebook groups: There is a lot of Facebook groups that are going to help you connect with others. If you are from a different country look for groups of people of your country living in the U.K (Ex; “Spaniards in the UK”). They are also really helpful if you are trying to find an apartment or different recommendations.
5. Don’t be scared to ask for help
Everything you are feeling is okay and normal. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength.
Call someone you trust and tell them how you are feeling. It can be your family or friends back home. It can also be a support group near where you live…
Whomever you want.
If you feel that you are not able to cope with what you are feeling, look for professional help.
There are plenty of resources that can help. Your university or workplace probably has a counselor. But you can also choose to find one outside of your inner circle.
You are not alone
If we take care of our bodies and of our physical health… Why wouldn’t we do the same with our mental health?
We hope all of these tips can help you with loneliness, fear and whatever else you may be feeling. The most important thing is that you know you don’t have to go through this alone.
Enjoy this new chapter of your life – it’s going to be amazing.
*Image is “impossibility” by Anton Apchehov and is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0