Speak Up. Reach Out is Freshered's mental health initiative.
Growing up and becoming an ‘adult’ comes with many, many, many new challenges. One of these challenges can be moving to a new city, either for a job, education or maybe just a change.
This ’new normal’ can take some getting used to, especially if you have never lived away from your childhood home. This first step out into the world can be scary and even have you questioning your choices.
One of the main issues people usually find is loneliness. You have left everything and everyone you know and it can be hard to know what to do next.
So, here are some tips to help you combat that loneliness and allow you to begin living your new life to the fullest.
Explore the new city
The best way to get over the scariness of a new city is to go and explore it. You fear the unknown, so go out there and discover new and wonderful places.
Scope out all the coffee shops, the swanky (and not-so-swanky) bars and clubs. There may also be some museums and parks that you come across.
Knowing your city can make you feel more at ease as you know what’s out there. And next time you want a nice coffee and a stroll, you know exactly where the best Starbucks is.
Find your people
Making new friends will 100% help combat loneliness. This can be done by something as simple as signing up for clubs and classes in your new area.
If you love to read, join a book club. If you’re more of a sporty spice, sign up for gym classes or join the local football team.
Meeting new people who love the same things as you will allow you to make friends easier. Friends who you can then plan to meet up with and make new memories.
Stay in touch with family and friends
Just because you move away from the people you know, doesn’t mean you never have to talk to them again. Facetime is a thing!
Nowadays it is so easy to keep up with people who are not in your immediate vicinity. A few texts a week can get you all caught up on the gossip from back home.
There is also nothing stopping you from inviting your friends and family to your new place. Take them around the city and let them see where you are based now.
Don’t compare yourself
In this age of social media, it is so easy to compare your life to those around you. But, this is one of the worst things you can do.
Everyone’s paths look different. Something that works for one person, may not work for another. Some people have children and get married at a young age. Others focus on their career. That’s just how it is.
Try to realise that you are on the right track for you. Don’t compare yourself to where your parents were at your age. Times have changed.
And bottom line: you are your own person, with your own journey.
Don’t be afraid of being alone
At the end of the day, you have to be happy with your own company.
Sometimes your friends and family may be unavailable, so, you need to be able to sit with yourself and be content.
You can take yourself out for dinner or to the cinema, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. You just need to be confident enough in your aloneness to do things on your own without judgement.
