Six Tips for Combatting Loneliness When Living Abroad

Our ability and capacity to travel around the world is truly a wondrous gift. It takes courage, imagination and patience to do so. Not only to witness, but also to live among various cultures in their most authentic form. It is, quite honestly, a marvel to behold.

However, when you choose to journey out and explore the world beyond, you remove yourself from much of what is familiar. One could say that the adjustment threshold is an obstacle that few manage to overcome. Let's be honest, the grass always seems greener on the other side. You want to see the world, but you do not want to feel isolated.

Well, you are not alone, my friends. Whether we like to admit it or not, we need one another. Whether it is family, friends, loved ones or simply the comfort of another person's company, connection matters.

Here are six tips for combatting loneliness while teaching abroad.

Keeping yourself in constant motion is one effective way to stay occupied. Whether it is going for a daily jog in the morning or evening, or visiting the gym three times a week, physical activity can be an excellent distraction. Physical stimulation helps to quiet stressful or intrusive thoughts and allows you to focus your attention on the present moment. Looking on the bright side, it also offers excellent health benefits. So get moving!

Participating in something greater than yourself is a meaningful way to shift focus from personal worries. This is not to say that your problems are unimportant; however, when you serve a cause or purpose, it can bring comfort and offer a healthier perspective on your own situation. Volunteering and supporting others who may be facing more difficult circumstances will almost always lift your spirits. More importantly, it will make a positive difference in the lives of others. So get out there and volunteer!

As mentioned earlier, we are a socially dependent species, whether we care to admit it or not. We need one another and take comfort in connection. Fortunately, in China, there is access to a very helpful tool called WeChat. Through this convenient and widely used platform, finding a hobby or group to join becomes a far less difficult task. In fact, meeting others with similar interests is often just a few clicks away.

Once you connect with people who share your passions, it becomes easier to cope with feelings of isolation. You begin to feel a sense of belonging. For example, you could join a sports group, a book club if you enjoy reading, or a food group if you are passionate about cuisine. The point is to spend more time outside your home and in the company of others. Talk, laugh, share ideas, and explore each other's perspectives. You may soon find that feelings of loneliness begin to fade.

Constantly speaking with family can be either therapeutic or, at times, emotionally challenging. However, regardless of this, it is important to maintain regular contact with loved ones. The balance of communication with one’s family is unique to each person, but it is your responsibility to find that middle ground. This balance can provide just the right amount of comfort and familiarity to ease the longing for home.

In the past, people had to wait months for letters to reach their families. Today, with the technology available, staying connected is easier than ever. Your family will always appreciate and value your calls, especially your parents. It is always reassuring to speak and remind one another that you are not alone. More people care about you than you might realise, and being reminded of this can offer a great sense of peace.

Stepping back and appreciating the beauty of the world is another way to find solace in any situation. Becoming absorbed in nature, architecture, or any form of art can help cope with feelings of loneliness. This means exploring parts of China or Shanghai you have never visited before. Get on a bike and ride until you can no longer go further. Alternatively, take a bus or train and simply travel. If you can find admiration in nature and the various natural and man-made structures around you, you will also discover a sense of humility.