Some opportunities such as following your dream job, your dream partner or a new school are just too good to pass up. These opportunities often call for moving alone to a new city. Leaving everything that you know and love can be quite scary, which is a great stressor. Although this major life change can be difficult, it's also exhilarating because you never know what good things await you in the new city.
Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging
Instructions
- 1
Plan special moments with your loved ones and friends before you leave. Plan a farewell dinner at a favorite restaurant, a farewell party or a casual barbecue. Talk about your feelings about moving to the new city. Share your excitement, your apprehension and the things you will miss with them. Talking about these emotions can help you lighten the burden of stress as moving day gets closer. Don't bottle up these feelings; they can overwhelm you if they catch up with you and you don't have nearby loved ones to turn to.
- 2
Look at the new city as an exciting adventure that requires research. Instead of focusing on the sadness of leaving your friends and loved ones, focus on discovering all of the great things the new city has to offer. Ask strangers in the city what they consider the best restaurants, schools, clubs, parks and stores.
- 3
Enroll in a class in an activity that interests you, such as painting, cooking, ballroom dancing or yoga. Classes keep you from being bored and lonely when you haven't yet met many new people in your new city. You can also meet others that share the same interests as you, making it easy to establish new friendships.
- 4
Look for places that remind you of your favorite places back home. For example, a deli that serves your favorite sandwich or a bakery with your favorite brownies. These places can comfort you if you start feeling homesick. Each day, look for new places that help you bridge the gap between your former home and your new city.
- 5
Strike up conversations wherever you go, such as at a grocery store, live concert or museum. If you are usually shy, fake confidence and push yourself to talk. Smile and be friendly. Others will notice these vibes and want to converse with you.
- 6
Meet people through your coworkers. Ask coworkers what are the good places to hang out after work and on the weekends. Take people up on any invitations.
- 7
Write in a journal to cope with your feelings. It takes time to get adjusted to a new city. Keeping a journal can help you sort through your feelings and cope with stress.
- 8
Keep in touch with loved ones. Use various forms of technology, such as cell phones, emails and phone calls on the Internet, to stay in contact with friends and loved ones back home. Hang up photos of the people you love in your new place.
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