Moving to a new place can be an exciting yet challenging time, filled with new opportunities and the chance to forge fresh relationships. However, it’s also a time when existing relationships might be strained due to distance and changing circumstances.
Getting to know yourself in a new environment
A move to a new town, city, or country is a big thing. It’s likely that it won’t just change the relationships you have with those around you, but the relationship you have with yourself too. A new environment is a great chance for a fresh start and can be a rich ground for self-discovery and personal growth. Here are just some of the ways a new setting might impact your relationship with yourself and how you can navigate the changes.
Break and build habits
Moving to a new place often offers a break from old routines and patterns. This break gives you the chance to reflect on your habits, your likes and dislikes, and whether these still fit with the person you are and the person you want to be.
Discover your resilience
Starting afresh in an unfamiliar setting can be challenging and might require you to solve unexpected problems and face challenges you haven’t tackled before. Try to embrace this opportunity to learn, grow, and develop resilience. You might find yourself developing new skills or discovering hidden talents.
Find the freedom to reinvent yourself
A new environment can provide a clean slate, offering the freedom to reinvent yourself without the constraints of pre-existing expectations from familiar faces and places. It’s a chance to be who you want to be and explore different parts of yourself.
You might encounter loneliness
It’s not uncommon to experience periods of loneliness in a new place. Try to acknowledge these feelings and give yourself time to adjust.
Focus on self-care
In the chaos of settling down in a new place, try not to neglect your well-being. Establish a self-care routine, incorporating activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Practice mindfulness
Try to be present in your new environment. Mindfully engaging with your surroundings, noticing the small details and appreciating new experiences can help you feel more rooted in this new place.
Seek support
If you find the transition particularly challenging, remember it’s okay to seek support, whether from friends, family, or one of our counsellors. Being proactive in seeking help is a sign of self-respect and self-care.
Maintaining relationships
Maintaining old relationships when you move to a new place takes work and a mindful approach. Here are some strategies that can help you nurture and sustain your longstanding relationships when you’re not in the same place anymore.
Keep in contact
Keeping in touch with friends and family from your previous location will keep you feeling connected. You can make use of technology to schedule regular video calls, send messages, or share pictures and updates of your new surroundings. Some people even create a personal newsletter to share updates about their life with a big group of friends or family members at the same time. This can help you notice the unique parts of your new surroundings that might otherwise pass you by.
Maintain traditions
Try to uphold the traditions that have been significant in your relationships. Celebrating special occasions or continuing to share news and updates in the same ways you used to can help create a sense of continuity.
Accept change
It’s very likely that a big move will mean big changes in your old relationships, and that’s okay. Going from sharing a home or a community to communicating over long distances will obviously change the dynamics of your relationships. Try not to panic when you notice this happening. Instead of fighting against changes, try to work with the new dynamics and make the most of your new setup.
Building new relationships
It can be hard to build new relationships when you move to a new place. It involves focused effort, patience, and time. Here are some strategies that can help you cultivate relationships in your new home.
Be open
Seek out opportunities to meet new people. This might mean attending networking events, parties, or trying out new hobbies. It’s important to build relationships in a way that’s sustainable for you. For instance, if you’re introverted, try and find ways to meet new people that complement the things you enjoy, like through a book club or a discussion group.
Immerse yourself in the community
Getting involved in community activities or campaigns can help you get to know your neighbours and the people who live near you. It not only provides a platform to meet new people but also helps in establishing a sense of belonging in your new place.
Practice patience and persistence
Building new relationships takes time and effort. Try to be patient and give it time. Consistent efforts in reaching out and being available will bear fruit in the long run.
Strike a balance
You might find that for a time after moving to a new place, you feel a little bit like you’re trying to live in two worlds. Eventually, you might find your old world and new world start to clash, your regular Zoom call with your best friend from back home conflicts with a new pottery class you want to try, for instance. Remember that maintaining and building relationships doesn’t mean stretching yourself thin. Focus on nurturing the relationships that are meaningful to you and add value to your life. And when you get the chance, try to introduce your old friends to your new ones. It could pave the way for more enriching relationships.