Emotions only start to get detrimental if you let yourself be sad for too long. Take the time to be sad, but don’t let your sadness take over your life.
You could also carry on some family traditions. If you always had a family dinner on Friday nights, host a dinner with your friends on Fridays instead.
This is especially true if you’re in college. A lot of people around your age are leaving home for the first time, so you’ll probably be able to relate to each other. If you don’t know anyone in the area yet, try joining a local group or using an app like Meetup to meet people. [5] X Expert Source Donna Novak, Psy. DLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
If you’re in college, try joining a club or a sport for some extracurricular activities.
Maybe you get out of bed around 8, go for a run, eat breakfast, head to work, go to a class, come home, and eat dinner.
Joining clubs and hobby groups is also a great way to meet new people in a brand new area.
If you aren’t sure where to go, look up a list online of touristy things you can go visit. It’s always fun to be a new person in a new area!
Not only will exercising keep you physically fit, but it releases endorphins in your brain that can boost your mood and make you feel good.
You could also try baking, going for a nature walk, listening to a podcast, or playing with a pet. Self-care looks different for everyone, and you may have to try out a few different things until you find what works for you.
You can also send your family members photos and updates about what you’re doing and where you’ve been.
Similarly, seeing your friends hang with their families can be a little disheartening.
This is especially true on social media. People usually put their best selves online, and they very rarely show when they’re struggling.
If you’re in college, your school might have mental health services on campus that you can use for free. You can also try online counseling, which is usually cheaper than traditional therapy.
