Tips for Dealing with Home Sickness
Have you ever found yourself far away from home feeling sad, lonely, scared, and just wanting to go home no matter what? If so, you might simply be homesick.
While traveling the world onboard a cruise ship can be exciting and rewarding, it can also be a frightening and discouraging time when you’re by yourself. Here are some tips that can help to relieve home sickness:
Understand it’s okay and normal to be feeling homesick
Know that once you get used to your new surroundings, things will be fine and the sense
of home sickness will ease
Realize that while you may be out of your comfort zone, you need to concentrate on the
positive rather than dwelling on the negative
Try not to doubt your decision to accept a cruise line contract - concentrate on the positive like:
the fact you're travelling the world
making money while you're doing it
exploring and enjoying each new destination you visit
Mark the end date of your cruise contract on your calendar as it’s something to look forward to
Talk to those around you and don’t be afraid to express your feelings
Enjoy making new friends especially those from your home country as there’s instant camaraderie
To the best of your ability, make your space your own
Bring photos of your loved ones to display in your cabin
Also bring a few familiar objects from home that you find comforting
Keep family photos in your cell phone
Set up a free internet email or ‘webmail’ account such as Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail or Yahoo ! Mail to keep in contact with your friends and family back home; you can exchange photos, music, or whatever makes you feel connected
Set up a free Skype account so you can talk to friends and family back home; establish a time to call home once a week so it’s something else to look forward to
Start a journal to record your exciting adventure
Look to find the positive in every day
Keep yourself busy
Be vigilant in trying new things
With a little planning ahead, your experience while working onboard a cruise ship will create memories and experiences you’ll cherish for a lifetime to come.