When I was 17 years old and lived in Brazil, I learned a word that I will never forget: saudade.
You may have heard of the word, but what does saudade actually mean?
Wikipedia describes it as: “an emotional state of melancholic or profoundly nostalgic longing for a beloved yet absent something or someone. It is a recollection of feelings, experiences, places, or events, often elusive, that cause a sense of separation from the exciting, pleasant, or joyous sensations they once caused.”
Unfortunately there isn’t a direct translation in any language to this emotional state, but if you are experiencing nostalgia as an expat either while living abroad or when returning home after that (yes, you may also experience saudade of your expat experience), you know what I am talking about.
After various experiences abroad and after having embraced nostalgia as an expat more times than I would like to admit, let me extend my experience to you and share with you my 10 tips to overcome saudade.
1. Explore Your New Surroundings
Become a tourist in your new city. Visit local landmarks, try new cuisines, and immerse yourself in the culture. Check for what theatres, cultural centres and museums have to offer. Discovering what your new home has to offer can shift your focus from what you miss to what you still have to explore.
2. Create New Traditions
Establishing new traditions in your host country is a great way to start fending off the attacks of nostalgia. Whether it’s a weekly dinner at a local restaurant, a monthly meet-up with other expats, or celebrating local holidays, creating new routines can help ground you in your new environment. If you are interested to read more about this, have a look at our article Fast Lane to Integration: Tips for Expats in a new Home.
3. Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Regularly communicate with family and friends back home through video calls, social media, or even traditional letters. Staying connected can ease the feeling of distance and keep you updated with their lives, and thanks to technology these days it is really easy to do so. BUT don't exaggerate! Being too much attached to your “old” life can also create nostalgia and fear of missing out (damn FoMO).
4. Set Personal Goals
Setting and pursuing personal goals, whether professional, educational, or recreational, can provide a sense of purpose and achievement. This can be particularly helpful in creating a fulfilling life in your new country. We love reading and we found some books extremely helpful to embrace our new life as expat, you can read our suggestions here: 9 Books that will change your (Expat) Life Forever
5. Join Local Clubs and Groups
Engaging with local communities through clubs, sports teams, or interest groups can help you make new friends and feel more integrated. Shared interests can create bonds that ease feelings of loneliness.
6. Embrace Local Culture
Learn the local language, attend cultural events, and understand the customs and traditions. This deeper connection with your host country can diminish the feeling of being an outsider.
7. Document Your Journey
Keep a journal, a social media page (you can find our page also on Instagram), or start a blog about your experiences - AND here we are exactly right now! Documenting your journey can provide an emotional outlet and help you see how far you’ve come, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
8. Find a place that remind you of your home country abroad
In our own experience, we could talk about the thousands of Italian restaurants, Little Italy, Italian cultural centers, Italian Facebook groups, and so many other places where you can find Italian vibes abroad. And I am sure you can always find THAT place that will help you beat nostalgia.
9. Stay Active and Healthy
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve your mood and energy levels. Physical activity is known to reduce stress and anxiety, which can be particularly beneficial when dealing with feelings of nostalgia.
10. Seek Professional Support if Needed
If feelings of homesickness and nostalgia become overwhelming, seeking support from a therapist or counsellor can be very helpful. Professional guidance can provide strategies to manage these emotions effectively.
Embrace your Nostalgia and Saudade, they are natural parts of the expat experience. While these emotions can be challenging, they also highlight the deep connections and meaningful experiences you’ve had. I hope that by implementing these tips, you can balance your longing for the past with a fulfilling present in your new home. Embrace the adventure of being an expat, and let the journey shape a richer, more resilient you.
Remember, the key is not to eliminate nostalgia but to integrate your past and present in a way that enriches your life abroad. In two words: ENJOY SAUDADE!
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