Homesickness in Shanghai: A UK Expat's China Journey

Does Homesickness Ever Go Away? (the reality of moving from UK to China) #amwf #shanghai

Destination:ChinaCity:ShanghaiPopulation:24.9 million
Does Homesickness Ever Go Away? (the reality of moving from UK to China) #amwf #shanghai
Expat Natt2023-03-1210 min

Feeling homesick when living abroad is a natural emotion. Whether you are only a few hours from at home at university, or the other side of the world, it can often feel overwhelming and lonely. Even experienced travellers will have days where the feel homesick, maybe a family member back home is sick or had a baby that you want to meet. Maybe it’s the language barrier or you’re missing your mums cooking. This week I am opening up about the struggles I have faced that contribute to my homesickness and try to answer the question, does homesickness ever go away?.

Talk to loved ones.

Do something creative

Organise something

Document beautiful things (sunrise, sunset, flowers etc.)

Eat home cooked meals

Exercise

Hangout with friends

Ultimately, I do not regret moving to China, however that doesn't stop me from missing England or my family.

Thank you for watching!

--- Expat Natt
March 12, 2023, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 1:40Homesickness in China
  2. 2:08Initial experience
  3. 3:43Coping mechanisms
  4. 4:17Vlogging as therapy
  5. 5:50Creative outlets
  6. 8:10Healthy lifestyle
  7. 9:48Appreciating small things
  8. 10:38Encouragement message

Expat Natt shares her honest journey battling homesickness in China. Vlogging, DIY, and healthy habits help her cope, building a supportive online community. A touching story of adapting to life abroad.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Documenting your experiences through vlogging can be a therapeutic way to cope with homesickness and connect with loved ones back home. It allows you to revisit cherished memories and share your journey with others, fostering a sense of connection and reducing feelings of isolation. (3:43)
  2. Tip 2Engage in creative activities such as sketching, drawing, or DIY projects. The creative process can be incredibly relaxing and provide a sense of accomplishment, helping to distract from feelings of homesickness and foster a sense of comfort and familiarity. (5:50)
  3. Tip 3Prioritize a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. Exercise and healthy eating can significantly improve your mood and energy levels, reducing stress and making you feel more capable of managing homesickness. Involving others in your healthy habits can add an element of support and shared experience. (8:10)
  4. Tip 4Take time to appreciate the small things in life. Focusing on the positive aspects of your surroundings, such as beautiful sunrises or sunsets, can shift your perspective and help you find joy and contentment in your new environment, even when you're feeling homesick. (9:48)

Expat Natt's heartfelt vlog explores the realities of homesickness while living abroad in China. She candidly shares her experiences, revealing that while initial homesickness wasn't a major issue, the prolonged absence from family and friends, coupled with life's challenges, has made her miss home more over time. Natt creatively combats homesickness through vlogging, DIY projects, and healthy lifestyle changes, building a supportive online community along the way. This video offers a relatable and inspiring look at navigating homesickness while embracing life in a new country.

More about the current video:( 10 / 44 )

Does Homesickness Ever Go Away? (the reality of moving from UK to China) #amwf #shanghai

This video by Expat Natt offers a raw and honest look into the challenges and triumphs of living abroad in Shanghai, China. It directly addresses the question of whether homesickness ever truly fades, revealing that while initially not a significant issue for Natt, the passage of time and distance has amplified her longing for family and home. The video showcases Natt's resilience and resourcefulness in managing her homesickness. Initially, the absence from her family wasn't overwhelming due to frequent communication and her established independence. However, as time passed, missing major life events and facing difficulties while being far from home became increasingly challenging. The inability to easily return home added another layer of complexity to her emotions. To cope, Natt creatively documents her life in Shanghai through her YouTube channel, finding the process therapeutic and a way to connect with her family and a growing online community. She also actively engages in creative pursuits like DIY projects, such as making glass coasters, which provide a sense of comfort and familiarity. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, as a means of combating homesickness. The video showcases Natt's commitment to self-care through exercise and healthy eating, which she shares with her partner. The video also highlights the small joys Natt finds in her daily life in Shanghai, like watching sunrises and sunsets and appreciating the simple pleasures, like wearing a cozy coat on a rainy day. Natt's journey resonates with anyone who has experienced homesickness, offering a relatable and inspiring perspective on adapting to life abroad. She encourages viewers to reach out if they are struggling, emphasizing that they are not alone. Ultimately, the video is a testament to Natt's strength, adaptability, and the power of community in overcoming the challenges of living far from home.

The video's unique strength lies in its vulnerability and honesty. Natt doesn't shy away from the difficult aspects of living abroad, making her experience relatable and inspiring. The incorporation of creative activities and healthy lifestyle choices showcases practical strategies for managing homesickness. The emphasis on building an online community highlights the importance of connection and support when living far from home. The video's conversational tone and personal insights create an engaging and intimate viewing experience.

The viewer is given a glimpse into Natt's daily life, from her work to her creative projects and her efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The video showcases her personality and her ability to find joy and beauty in unexpected places. It is a story of adaptation, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection, even across vast distances. Natt's experiences serve as a relatable example for others navigating the challenges of living abroad and offer valuable insights into coping mechanisms for homesickness.

The video's focus on personal experiences and emotional moments, combined with its practical tips, makes it a valuable resource for anyone considering or currently living abroad. It is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to adapt, overcome, and find joy in unexpected circumstances.

Homesickness in Shanghai: A UK Expat's China Journey

Feeling homesick when living abroad is a natural emotion. Whether you are only a few hours from at home at university, or the other side of the world, it can often feel overwhelming and lonely. Even experienced travellers will have days where the feel homesick, maybe a family member back home is sick...

Shanghai Vlog: Homesickness & Life in China

Expat Natt shares her personal experience of homesickness after moving from the UK to China. She explores the challenges of living abroad, including language barriers and missing family, while acknowledging that homesickness is a normal emotion even for experienced travelers. Natt offers practical coping mechanisms such as connecting with loved ones, engaging in creative activities, and documenting beautiful moments. Her honest account resonates with anyone who's ever felt the pang of missing home while pursuing life's adventures.

Attractions in this video: Disney Shanghai