If you’ve read our last blog post about experiencing post-Erasmus+ negative feelings, then this piece will help you to get back to being you again. We know that some of our participants find it hard to settle back in after a work or study placement abroad, particularly if the mobility was for an extended period of time, such as 6 months to 2 years. Rest assured that you will feel better again, but do not ignore your mental health because it is very important to recognise your feelings, talk to someone about them and take steps to returning back to the happy, fulfilled individual you were before you embarked on your journey. Read on to find out our best tips on what you can do to reverse that negativity.
How to Feel Happier Quickly…
1. Get Outdoors
The fresh air is always a tonic and getting Vitamin-D can be a real booster. So make sure you get outside and go for a walk or do some outdoor exercise. You probably spent quite a lot of time outdoors in your host country, getting to know every corner. Well, you could do the same in your home country – we’re sure there are plenty of towns, villages or even larger cities you’ve never seen, and areas and suburbs you’ve never visited. Get to know your home again – do some exploration on foot either on your own or tag a friend along with you.
2. See A Friend
Even if you don’t feel like it. Yes, we know, your friends – even your closest friends – will never understand what you’ve just experienced but these friends have been with you for years. They know you well and they probably really want to spend some time with you. Spending quality time with those you love makes such a difference, no matter how miserable you feel, just getting out and about will make a difference and lift your mood.
3. Plan Another Adventure
Whether it’s planning a weekend six months ahead to meet up with your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme buddies, or it’s a couple of days off to go to the seaside in your home country, having something to look forward to gives you purpose and something to strive for. Especially if you’ve got the travel bug! Heck, if you can, plan to spend another few months abroad somewhere else and start saving up. Doing part-time jobs and earning money to reach your goal should keep you busy enough to stop your mind dwelling on feeling down!
4. Seek Out Others Feeling Like You
The chances are that you are not the only Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme participant to recently return home. In fact, there are probably many people in exactly the same position as you – feeling as fed-up as you! Go and find these people, you can lean on each other for support and perhaps find a kindred spirit. Get in touch with your study abroad office or TravelEdventures (if your trip was organised through us) and access the other students who’ve just returned. Alternatively, check the Facebook groups. There’s comfort in numbers and talking to someone else who has been through exactly the same as you will help.
5. Try A New Hobby
Perhaps while you were away you discovered that you were an incredible cook! Why not try a cookery course? Or maybe you used a bike to get around in your host city – why not buy a bike and take up cycling, it’s a great way to see your own hometown or city! Or try something completely different, after all, you’ve just spent months away from home doing something completely different and loved it, you’ll probably love doing something new too!
6. Learn A Language
Or keep up with your new language skills. Join a course and perfect your new linguistic ability or you could try another language too and really become an expert! There’s bound to be a course near you, and you’ll meet other people, begin a new experience and perhaps broaden your horizons once again.
7. Do Some Charity Work
Doing something for a cause really helps you to feel good about yourself, so why not look for a local charity or national charity and get involved? Perhaps you could do some fundraising or be really hands-on, there are so many amazing charities crying out for volunteers and it is a really fulfilling way to spend your spare time (plus it looks great on a CV!).
8. Practice Yoga and Mindfulness
Yoga is an incredible exercise, not only does it help you to stay lean and trim, but it focusses the mind, with meditation practice and breathing techniques. It is brilliant for reducing anxiety and calming a busy mind. There are an abundance of YouTube tutorials, try a 30-day beginners’ yoga class such as Yoga With Adriene, which is completely free to watch, and enjoy the significant benefits yoga has to offer.
9. Confide in Someone
Feeling low or not quite yourself is NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF. Mental health is so important nowadays, so do talk to someone, a trusted friend, a family member or even your medical health practitioner. Often, sharing a problem takes away some of the burden and you’ll instantly feel you’ve taken a load off your shoulders. Plus, having someone there who knows what you’re going through will make an enormous difference to how you feel inside – and will help set you on the road back to your normal, happy self. Do not ignore mental health – and take comfort in knowing that you are definitely not on your own.
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