As you adjust to life
in your new country following an international move, you are likely to at some
point experience culture shock, which is a psychological condition that occurs when
one's surroundings suddenly change as a result of a move. Depression, anger and
frustration often accompany the various stages of culture shock and can greatly
impact your health and your quality of life.
Fortunately, there are
things you can do to reduce the negative symptoms of culture shock and
adapt to your new home more rapidly. Here are some tips:
Learn as much as you can about your new
country prior to your move
One of the biggest causes of culture shock is
the disappointment or surprise that comes from the differences between one’s
perceived notion of a place and the way it is in reality. The clearer your
picture of your destination, the more you'll be prepared to experience it and
integrate yourself into it. Chess Moving can help you learn more about your
destination before you leave Australia. Contact us for more information.
Connect with other Aussies
If you are
moving on your own, use forums, message boards, social meet-up sites or resources from your
employer to make friends from Australia. By befriending people who are familiar
with your home, you'll have others to reminisce with and to sympathize with you
about the many differences in your new country.
Bring a touch of home to your new home
When you find yourself
missing specific things about Australia, find ways to bring a bit of them to
your new country. Contact a family member or friend to send you a care package
or do some online shopping.
Explore your new home
Don't be afraid
to be a tourist and get out and see the notable points of interest in your new
city and the surrounding areas. Going for frequent walks around your neighbourhood
can also help you take in the sights and sounds and feel more a part of them.
Plus, walking and other forms of exercise can help ease sadness or even depression.
Keep a journal
Whether you prefer to
write daily, paste photographs on pages, draw pictures, start a blog or make
videos, take some time to record your experiences - both good and bad.
Journaling in any form can help you explore your feelings and gives you an
opportunity to look back and see the progress that you've made as you adapt to
your new home.
Above all, remember
that culture shock is a temporary experience. You can and will adjust to life
in your new home!