How to manage the distance with your loved ones when you are abroad?

Going abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it often means being away from family and friends. Whether for studies, a job or simply to discover new horizons, managing the distance with loved ones can sometimes be difficult. Here are some tips to better manage the distance and stay connected with loved ones when you’re abroad.

Schedule regular communications

Communication is key to maintaining close ties with loved ones. It is important to schedule regular communications, whether by phone, Whatsapp, Facetime or email. This will allow you to stay informed of what is happening in everyone’s life and to share your own experiences abroad. It is also important to be flexible with communication times, taking into account differences in time zones.

Use social networks

Social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter can be useful for keeping in touch with loved ones abroad. They make it possible to share photos, videos and updates in a quick and easy way. Facebook groups can also be used to gather friends and family members to share information and news.

Organise visits

Organizing regular visits can help maintain close ties with loved ones. This will allow us to spend time together and create new memories. It is important to plan these tours in advance so that you can save money and make the necessary travel arrangements. In these cases, also consider taking out travel insurance that would cover you when you leave your country of residence.

Share gifts

Sharing gifts with loved ones can help maintain close bonds. This can be done by sending gifts by mail or using delivery services such as Amazon. It is also possible to send greeting cards for special occasions, such as birthdays, Christmas and holiday season.

Engage in online activities together

It is possible to participate in online activities with loved ones to maintain close ties. This can be done by playing online games, watching movies together using services such as Netflix Party, or participating in online events such as live concerts.

Get involved in the local community

Being involved in the local community can help fill the void left by the distance from loved ones. This will allow you to meet new people and make new friends. It is possible to get involved in activities such as sports clubs, volunteer groups or online discussion groups.

Take care of yourself

Take care of yourself when you are abroad and away from your loved ones. You can do this by taking the time to practice relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, or reading. Also stay in touch with loved ones abroad for support and advice on how to cope with loneliness and estrangement from family and friends.

Find support groups

Finding local support groups can help fill the void left by being away from family and friends. These groups can be found online or in the local community. They provide a space to discuss experiences, share advice, and meet others who are going through similar situations.

Set goals

Setting goals can help focus on the positive aspects of being abroad. This can be done by setting professional goals, such as learning a new skill or completing a project, or by setting personal goals, such as learning a new language or discovering new places.

Accept the ups and downs

It’s important to remember that experiences of being abroad can be filled with ups and downs. It’s normal to feel nostalgia and sadness when you’re away from family and friends. It’s important to give yourself time to feel these emotions and find healthy ways to manage them.
Ultimately, managing distance from loved ones when abroad can be challenging, but there are ways to stay connected and maintain close ties. By scheduling regular communications, using social media, organizing tours, sharing gifts, participating in online activities together, getting involved in the local community, taking care of yourself, finding support groups, and setting goals, it’s possible to better manage distance and make the most of the experience of being abroad.