Getting Canadian citizenship is a monumental life achievement. A new and promising chapter. However, beneath the surface of pride and excitement often lurks a complex and unexpected emotion: homesickness. Whether you’ve recently immigrated or have been a resident in Canada for a while, homesickness can cast a shadow on your journey in your new home.

What Is Homesickness?

At its core, homesickness is a natural response to life-altering changes. Homesickness comes from our desire for comfort and safety. The process of moving to a new country requires moving away from the familiar—be it cultural norms, surroundings, or, perhaps most significantly, close relationships. The adjustment to a new culture and lifestyle is emotionally draining, often giving rise to an overwhelming sense of yearning for the comforts of home.

How To Deal with Homesickness

Establish a Support System

Building a support system for yourself is a major task in navigating homesickness. Seek out local community groups, cultural associations, or religious organizations that resonate with your interests and values. These communities become anchors, providing not only a sense of belonging but will help you navigate your feelings with understanding. Reach out to fellow immigrants or Canadians who relate to the unique challenges of adapting to a new culture, forging connections that go beyond mere camaraderie.

Embrace Cultural Diversity

A strength of Canada lies in its cultural diversity. Immerse yourself in local events, festivals, and community gatherings as a means of actively participating in the diverse traditions and customs. Talking to people from various backgrounds becomes more than a social activity; it transforms into a crucial avenue for broadening perspectives. This way, you can foster a genuine sense of belonging within your Canadian community.

Stay Connected with Home

While immersing yourself in Canadian culture is crucial, maintaining connections with your home country serves as a reminder of your roots. Schedule regular calls with family and friends, leveraging the vast array of virtual platforms available for video chats and messaging. These connections act as emotional lifelines, weaving a thread of continuity between the past and present, reinforcing the understanding that while the physical location may have changed, the emotional ties remain steadfast.

Person with homesickness calling home — Credit: Helena Lopes

Explore Your Local Community

Venturing into the charm of your local neighborhood and city becomes about discovery and connection. Familiarize yourself with the parks and recreational areas that are central to your neighbourhood. This exploration instills a sense of ownership. Your community is more than a residence. Make it a home.

Create a Home Away from Home

Transforming a living space into a haven that echoes the comfort and familiarity of home becomes a potent remedy for homesickness. Decorate your living space with items that hold deep sentimental value—family photographs, memorable trinkets, or even scents that evoke cherished memories. In doing so, you create a tangible bridge between the past and the present. Your new home will begin to feel more like a sanctuary.

Focus on Personal Well-being

Homesickness, with its emotional toll, underscores the importance of prioritizing personal well-being. Beyond a routine necessity, self-care becomes a deliberate and essential practice. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep are not just physical imperatives but powerful tools for boosting mood and reducing stress. Prioritizing personal well-being becomes a cornerstone in navigating the emotional challenges homesickness brings.

Set Realistic Expectations

The journey of adjusting to a new country is inherently gradual and layered, demanding the setting of realistic expectations. Homesickness, a natural component of this transformative process, requires the acknowledgment that overcoming it is a long haul. Celebrate the small victories and milestones. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself in the process. You’re doing incredible things every day and we, at Canoo, are proud of you.