Finding Comfort Far from Home: My Top 10 Strategies for Overcoming Homesickness as an OFW”
Introduction
Leaving my home in the Philippines to work abroad wasn’t an easy choice. Like many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), I set out with high hopes, big dreams, and a strong sense of duty to help my family back home. The idea of being away from them was tough, but I figured it was part of the sacrifice we often make to provide a better life for our loved ones. I soon realized, though, that homesickness was not something I could simply ignore or push aside. It was real, and it hit me harder than I expected. But over time, I discovered ways to manage it—through connection, small joys, and personal growth. This journey has taught me a lot about resilience and finding comfort even when I’m far from home. I want to share my story with fellow OFWs who might feel the same way and offer some tips that helped me along the way.
The Reality of Homesickness
When I first arrived in my first host country in United Arab Emirates (UAE) way back 2012, everything felt foreign. The language, the food, the culture—it was all different from what I was used to. In the beginning, there was a novelty to it all, and I was motivated by the newness of my surroundings. But after a few weeks, the excitement faded, and the reality set in. I missed my family, my friends, and the familiar routines back home. I began to feel isolated and, at times, even wondered if I’d made the right decision.
I remember the nights lying in bed, staring at my phone, scrolling through photos of my family, and wishing I could be with them. No video call could fill the void of not being there physically. Homesickness crept in slowly, and soon, it became a constant part of my life. I didn’t realize it initially, but I had to find ways to manage these feelings if I was going to stay productive and happy.
1. Building Connections in a New Land
One of the most significant things that helped me was building connections with others. I realized I wasn’t alone—there were other Filipinos here who were going through the same struggles. I joined a local Filipino community group, and it was like finding a piece of home in this foreign land. Being able to speak my language, share stories, and even cook Filipino food with them made a huge difference.
At first, I felt shy, but I pushed myself to attend gatherings and meet new people. It’s amazing how much a simple conversation or a shared meal can lift your spirits. I realized that finding friends who understand your experiences can ease the loneliness and make a place feel more like home. Now, we have a small “family” here, and we celebrate Filipino holidays together, cook our favorite dishes, and support each other through the ups and downs.
2. Making My Space Feel Like Home
Another thing that helped me cope was personalizing my living space. My accommodation room was initially just a place to sleep after work, but I wanted it to feel more like home. I added small touches—family photos, some Filipino décor, and even a few of my favorite snacks from home. I started watching Filipino shows and movies whenever I felt down. Sometimes, I would put on familiar music from back home and let myself relax. Creating a “Filipino corner” in my room reminded me of my roots, and it gave me a sense of comfort during those tough moments.
3. Staying Active and Engaging in Hobbies
Homesickness can easily make you feel trapped and drained, so I found it essential to keep myself active. Engaging in physical activities not only helps to break the monotony but also uplifts your spirits. For me, fishing became my go-to escape. The calm and peaceful environment of being by the water allowed me to momentarily disconnect from my worries and immerse myself in the present moment. Fishing gave me a sense of routine and purpose, something to look forward to regularly. It also provided me with an opportunity to clear my mind, reflect, and recharge, even if just for an hour. This simple yet fulfilling activity became a crucial part of my strategy to combat homesickness and maintain my mental well-being.
I also found new hobbies that helped me engage with the local culture. For instance, I took up cooking and experimented with local ingredients, creating dishes that combined flavors from my home with those of my host country. Learning something new was not only fun but also gave me a sense of accomplishment, making me feel like I was growing even in a challenging situation.
4. Balancing Social Media Use
Social media is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a way to stay connected with family and friends back home. But on the other, it can sometimes worsen homesickness by reminding you of all the things you’re missing out on. I learned to limit my social media use and be mindful of when and how I used it. I would check in with family regularly but avoided getting caught up in endless scrolling.
Instead, I focused on creating memories and experiences where I was. I made it a point to explore new places, try different foods, and capture these moments. I even started sharing my journey with others online, hoping that it could help other OFWs going through similar struggles. This shift in mindset helped me embrace the present and feel more at peace with where I was.
5. Allowing Myself to Feel and Accepting the Journey
There were times when no distraction or activity could ease my homesickness. During these moments, I learned that it was okay to let myself feel sad. Instead of fighting those feelings, I allowed myself to be vulnerable. Sometimes, a good cry or a heartfelt conversation with family back home would be enough to relieve the heaviness.
I also reminded myself of why I chose this path. Remembering my goals, the dreams I had for myself and my family, helped put things in perspective. Each day brought me closer to my purpose, and even if it was difficult, I found strength in knowing that this sacrifice was meaningful.
6. Remembering My Purpose
Whenever the feeling of homesickness became overwhelming, I reminded myself why I was here. I kept a list of my goals and looked at it often, especially on tough days. Thinking of my family and the better life I was building for them gave me the strength to keep going. Reminding myself of my purpose helped me find comfort in the sacrifice and appreciate the path I had chosen.
7. Exploring New Interests and the Local Culture
Initially, everything about my host country felt strange and unfamiliar. But as time went on, I realized that trying new things and immersing myself in local culture helped me feel more connected. I explored local food, picked up a few words in the language, and even visited some historical sites. These experiences allowed me to see my host country as a second home, and I began to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings. Learning something new gave me a sense of achievement and added joy to my life abroad.
8. Taking Breaks and Setting Boundaries
Working abroad often means long hours, and the stress can add to feelings of homesickness. I learned to set boundaries for myself and to take breaks when needed. Whether it was a short walk outside or a weekend getaway, I found that taking time for myself made me more productive and happier. Recognizing when to take a step back from work was essential to my mental health. For any OFW, self-care and pacing yourself is crucial. Allow yourself some breathing room, and don’t hesitate to prioritize your well-being.
9. Focusing on Positive Thoughts
One of the most effective ways I’ve found to cope with homesickness is to focus on positive thoughts. Whenever feelings of loneliness crept in, I would intentionally redirect my thoughts to the positives—thinking of the good times I’ve had here, the new experiences I’m gaining, and the life skills I’m building. By focusing on these positives, I was able to shift my mindset, making it easier to see each challenge as an opportunity for growth. Positive thinking became my shield against homesickness, reminding me that every day was a chance to learn something new and bring me closer to my goals.
10. Reflecting on Growth and Celebrating Small Wins
One of the biggest lessons I learned was to celebrate small accomplishments. Overcoming homesickness, managing work challenges, and adjusting to a new culture were all significant achievements. I would reflect on my growth, the things I’d learned, and the ways I’d changed. Celebrating these small wins reminded me that every day away from home was an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser. Recognizing my progress gave me the motivation to keep pushing forward.
Conclusion
Being an OFW is a journey filled with challenges, sacrifices, and rewards. Homesickness is one of the hardest parts of this experience, but it’s also something that can help us grow. In my time abroad, I’ve learned the value of resilience, the importance of community, and the power of purpose.
If you’re feeling homesick, remember that it’s part of the journey, and there are ways to make it easier. Find comfort in the small things, celebrate the new experiences, and hold onto the connections that matter. We may be far from home, but we carry our culture, our dreams, and our strength with us wherever we go.
October 31, 2024 @ 3:49 am
Wow 💚🤍❤
November 1, 2024 @ 12:54 pm
Wonderful advise. if I may add, Another reliable way is to entrust ourself to the guidance of our Almighty God.
Prayers coming from our heart will lighten our burdens and will give us the strength to endure all kinds of problem including the pain of becoming separated from our love ones back home.
November 16, 2024 @ 2:27 am
Hello.
Good cheer to all on this beautiful day!!!!!
Good luck 🙂