7 Ways To Take Care of Your Mental Health When You Live Far Away From Home

Moving to a new location can be exciting, but as the reality of living far away from home dawns on you, you may feel lonely, depressed, or even anxious. In those moments, we just want to pack up and move back home to be around people who understand us and what we need. While it may not be possible to receive the support you need from your loved ones, here are some tips you can use to take care of your mental health when you live far away from home. 

1. Curate an ideal living environment 

The first step to taking good care of your mental health when you live far away from home is creating a space that feels like home. This may mean creating a sanctuary where you can escape from the stress of daily life, or it might mean creating a comfortable workspace that allows you to focus on your work without distraction. Figure out what you need in order to feel at home in your new place. You may want to have a yard, a deck, or even just a small porch to sit on. It’s all up to you. 

2. Reach out to your loved ones as often as you can 

As tempting as it might be to isolate yourself as you navigate the change of a new environment, reach out to your friends and family as often as you can. Don’t be afraid to send them messages or email them when you need something, whether that’s a reminder of a significant event or just some support—they’ll appreciate it. 

3. Build a healthy habit 

Habits are powerful things. They can help you build a better life for yourself. For example, you can try going for a walk every day. Set up a “walk goal” on your phone so that you know how many steps you’ve taken each day and how long your walks last. A healthy habit will give you something to look forward to every day. Being able to maintain a healthy routine, can make all the difference when you’re far from home.

4. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling

When you live far away from home, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. If you feel lonely, talk with a friend or family member about how you’re feeling and what actions would help improve your situation. If your close friends are not only far away but also busy with their own lives, you can consider a local therapist who can help guide you through stressful times.

5. Connect with an African Diaspora community

Connecting with a local African diaspora community is one of the best ways to maintain your mental health while living far away from home.  People from the community may be able to help you out when it comes to finding resources for yourself. They also might be able to give you advice on how to deal with situations that come up when you’re gone from home for longer periods of time.

6. Read books 

Reading books is a great way to take care of your mental health. Books are a great source of inspiration and motivation. Reading them will help you keep your mind active and interested in learning new things. Read in the morning, before work or school, and during the evening when you have more time.

7. Practice mindfulness

When you go about your day, try to notice all of the things around you: What are the colours in this room? Are there plants? What sounds can I hear? What smells are there? As time goes by, these simple questions will become easier and easier for you to answer. This practice will also help with stress levels in general because it forces you to slow down and pay attention to what’s going on around you instead of just rushing through life. This is a fantastic way to take care of your mental health when you live far away from home.Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Aside from the ways mentioned above, here’s how you can take care of your mental health by navigating black tax better.