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 perhaps it’s just when you hear a familiar song or smell something comforting.
Dealing with homesickness as an NRI is completely normal — and learning how to manage it can make your life abroad feel more stable and emotionally grounded. Many Indians missing home abroad feel the same way, but few talk about it openly.
The truth is, this emotional ache is part of the adjustment process. But here’s the good news — it doesn’t last forever, and you can learn to handle it with strength and grace.
1. Accept the Feeling — Don’t Fight It
When you move abroad, the first emotional challenge is often accepting that missing home doesn’t mean you’re weak. Many NRIs facing emotional challenges try to “stay busy” to avoid sadness or guilt. But ignoring it only makes it stronger.
The first step toward healing is acknowledgment — say to yourself, “Yes, I miss home, and that’s okay.” It means you’re emotionally alive and deeply connected to your roots.
Try this:
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Write in a journal about what you miss — no filter.
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Talk to someone who understands, even if it’s just a quick voice note.
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Allow yourself to cry or feel low — it’s part of emotional release.
You’re not too emotional — you’re simply human.
2. Stay in Touch with Family and Friends — But on Your Terms
When you’re dealing with homesickness as an NRI, staying connected to loved ones is comforting — but too much contact can sometimes deepen the ache. Many Indians missing home abroad find themselves torn between wanting to stay close and needing emotional space to adapt.
Find your balance:
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Schedule short, regular video calls to stay in touch without draining yourself.
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Share both your successes and struggles — your family will feel part of your new world.
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Send quick photos or voice notes on busy days to keep the bond alive.
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Avoid comparing your life to theirs — you’re both on different timelines of growth.
Research on expatriate mental-health challenges shows that emotional adjustment often depends on maintaining supportive yet flexible communication habits. According to Psychology Today, expats who balance connection with independence tend to adapt faster and experience fewer NRI emotional challenges over time.
The key is to stay connected to your roots while giving yourself room to grow. That balance is what truly defines how to cope with homesickness abroad.
3. Create “Home Away from Home” Comforts
You don’t need a full Desi setup to feel at home abroad. Even small rituals make a difference — a warm cup of chai, your mom’s dal recipe, or your favorite Bollywood playlist.
These little acts help Indians living abroad feel connected and emotionally balanced, turning unfamiliar spaces into comfort zones.
Ideas:
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Light a diya in the evening or keep a small Ganesh idol near your bed.
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Cook Indian meals on weekends — familiar smells soothe the mind.
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Create a cozy corner that feels like “you.”
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Celebrate Indian festivals, even alone — it keeps your roots alive.
The goal isn’t to recreate India — it’s to feel rooted while adapting.
See how I handled this in How I Handled Homesickness After Leaving India.
4. Talk to Someone — You’re Not Meant to Handle Everything Alone
Sometimes homesickness grows into deeper loneliness or anxiety. That’s when mental health tips for NRIs become essential. Seeking help doesn’t make you weak — it shows self-awareness.
Options:
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Find Desi or South Asian support groups in your area.
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Join online communities for Indians abroad — they get it.
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Consider therapy — many offer online or low-cost sessions.
Don’t wait for it to feel “serious.” Emotional support works best early. Remember, even the strongest people need someone to talk to.
5. Remind Yourself Why You Moved
When you’re feeling low, remind yourself why you made this leap. Most Indians missing home abroad didn’t leave because life was easy — they left to grow.
Reflect often:
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Write your “why” on a sticky note or phone reminder.
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Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
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Tell yourself: “I’m not starting over — I’m expanding who I am.”
You left with purpose and courage. Hold on to that — even when it feels far away.
Final Thoughts
Homesickness doesn’t vanish overnight. It slowly fades, replaced by new habits, friendships, and confidence. Every Indian who’s ever moved abroad has felt this — and like them, you will find your rhythm again.
You are not alone. You’re growing through one of life’s most meaningful transitions — one that shapes who you’ll become next.
If you want to understand how daily routines shape the emotional adjustment, explore A Day in the Life: Adjusting to Everyday Life as an NRI.
And for cultural transitions that often trigger homesickness, see Strange Everyday Things in the US.
