Dealing with Homesickness: You’re Not Alone

 

 

Missing Home Doesn’t Make You Weak — It Makes You Human

No matter how ready you feel before moving abroad, homesickness always finds a way to sneak in. Maybe it’s during a quiet dinner alone. Or when a family celebration is happening back in India and you’re not there. Or just during random moments when you hear a song or smell something familiar.

Dealing with homesickness as an NRI is completely normal — and learning how to manage it can make your life abroad feel more stable and supported.

If you’ve ever felt that sudden sadness, you’re not alone. Homesickness is real — and more common than people admit.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t last forever, and you can learn to manage it with grace and strength.

1. Accept the Feeling — Don’t Fight It

Many people try to “stay busy” to avoid homesickness or feel guilty for missing home. But avoiding it only makes it stronger. The first step to emotional wellness is to acknowledge what you’re feeling.

It’s okay to say, “I miss home.” That doesn’t mean you’re not strong or independent — it means you’re emotionally alive and connected to your roots.

Try this:

• Write in a journal about what you miss — no filter
• Talk to someone who understands, even if it’s a quick voice note
• Allow yourself to cry or feel low for a bit — that’s part of healing

You’re not “too emotional.” You’re just human.

2. Stay in Touch with Family and Friends — But on Your Terms

Connecting with people back home can bring relief. But too many long, emotional calls can also make you feel worse if they become overwhelming.

Find your balance:

• Schedule regular video calls so you stay in the loop without burning out
• Share your wins and your struggles — let them be part of your new life too
• Send small updates or voice notes to feel connected even when you’re busy
• Avoid comparing your life to theirs — you’re on different journeys now

Stay connected, but don’t pressure yourself to stay exactly the same.

3. Create “Home Away from Home” Comforts

You don’t need a full Desi household to feel at home — small touches go a long way. A familiar blanket. A playlist with Hindi songs. Cooking your mom’s dal recipe. Watching Bollywood on a lazy Sunday.

These little things remind you of where you come from — and help create comfort in your current surroundings.

Ideas:

• Light a diya in the evening or keep a small Ganesh idol by your bed
• Cook a simple Indian meal on weekends
• Set up a cozy corner with things that feel like “you”
• Celebrate festivals — even in small ways, even alone

The goal isn’t to recreate India. It’s to feel rooted while adapting.

See how I coped in Handling Homesickness After Leaving India.

4. Talk to Someone — You’re Not Meant to Handle Everything Alone

If homesickness turns into constant sadness, anxiety, or isolation, it’s okay to ask for help. You might think, “I’m strong, I can handle it,” but emotional strength also means knowing when to reach out.

Options:

• Find Desi support groups or cultural communities in your area
• Join online forums or social circles with other Indians abroad
• Talk to a therapist (many offer virtual or sliding-scale options)
• Don’t wait until it gets “bad enough” — support is better when it’s early

You don’t have to pretend to be fine. You just need to be honest with yourself.

5. Remind Yourself Why You Moved

In moments of emotional overwhelm, it’s easy to forget why you even moved in the first place. But the decision to leave home was made with courage and purpose.

Maybe it was for better opportunities.
Maybe it was for your growth.
Maybe it was just a leap of faith.

Whatever the reason — remind yourself of it often.

• Write your “why” on a sticky note or journal
• Reflect on how far you’ve come — even if progress feels slow
• Tell yourself: “I’m not starting over. I’m expanding who I am.”

You didn’t leave home because it was easy. You left because you had a vision. That vision is still worth pursuing — even on hard days.

Final Thoughts

Homesickness doesn’t go away in one day. It fades slowly — and gets replaced by new habits, new joys, and new versions of yourself.

You are not alone in this. Every Indian who has ever lived abroad has felt what you’re feeling right now. And just like them, you will find your rhythm. You will feel grounded again. You will be okay — even better than okay.

For school-related struggles, read Adjusting To A New School Abroad.