The process of change that comes with living in another country is a situation that anyone can see as destabilizing on a psychological level.
There are different reasons why people decide to move from one territory to another, emigrate (improvements in personal stability, search for opportunities, difficulties in the country of birth), and this change brings with it a set of elements that are important to take into account.
Emigrating without adequate preparation can result in poor adaptation to the new place, feelings of guilt, feelings of sadness expressed in a feeling of emptiness, discouragement and frustration for not understanding what is happening are some of the elements that can make the transition difficult.
This is why it is important to take into account the following three aspects to consider.
1. Self-awareness: knowing yourself to face hard times
From the theory of emotional intelligence, Self-awareness is the key point to overcome and be successful in any situation basically it is recognizing what you are feeling at the moment (joy, sadness, guilt) and what the reason for this emotion is, knowing yourself will facilitate social and cultural readaptation in the new context, understanding and feeling will allow adequate management of our emotions promoting pleasant feelings.
It is natural that in some cases there are feelings of loneliness, due to physical distancing from family and usual places, sadness and nostalgia due to the desire to see loved ones or be in previously familiar places. Understanding these feelings is allowing them to persist in a shorter time, asking questions like: what am I feeling and what reason do I have for feeling it? What do I feel I’m missing? What can I do to improve my mood?
2. Open to the new human and physical environment and enjoy new situations
In a study carried out by Pacheco A, Luca I, et al in 1984 with young Puerto Ricans, they developed the phases that emerge from the adaptation process in another country.
A. Phase of fusion between the self and the environment
The first of these is the phase of fusion between the self and the demands of the environment: this phase suggests the ability to be flexible and give in to the demands of the environment, at this stage you can try new clothing, doing different activities or experiencing new tastes and interests, adapting it to your values and personality
B. Conflict differentiation phase
The second is the conflict differentiation phase or its isolation from the receiving environment, suggests an open criticism of the new environment considering a possible isolation from the environment and the society in which they find themselves In this sense, changes in culture in general represent a challenge for emigrants who sometimes find it difficult to assimilate and accommodate in their own personal structure.
Identify what makes us trust and like the environment in which we are will lead to self-discovery On the other hand, expanding experiences and learning will enrich the vision with which the world is perceived.
C. Hierarchical integration phase
The last is the phase of differentiation and hierarchical integration, after finding situations and places where it is possible to feel confident and comfortable, for example, a particular job, a sporting activity or something as simple as a place that is pleasant to go to. . Any alternative found will allow the integration of a new model of vision of the panorama and as a result we will have benefits such as increased self-esteem, personal development, finding new ways of thinking, feeling and living.
3. Think positively
As mentioned previously, adaptation to another country can be perceived as destabilizing, represents the fall of a paradigm of customs and habits that were usually maintained. This is why in the process situations will be triggered that, depending on how we perceive them, will affect us to a lesser or greater degree (difficulties in getting a job, change in diet or nutrition, stress and anxiety or eventual limitations).
The theory of positive thinking offers the ability to improve and achieve the success of our plans more easily. Thinking positively is objectively evaluating reality, being able to find different solutions and alternatives to each challenge. Thinking from this approach allows us to be aware of the weaknesses but will direct attention to the benefits, lessons and learnings of each situation. Allowing the approach, motivation, the predisposition to make appropriate decisions, and in general to a suitable attitude towards the new change. With this vision all obstacles will be opportunities to improve.
In this way we can find in employment difficulties an opportunity to broaden our horizons, be an explorer of creative ideas, be an entrepreneur in what you like and find a way to be successful.
The process of migratory change represents a challenge that few people dare to take This is why anyone who ventures to live an experience such as adapting to living in a new country must be willing to acquire the skills and abilities to emerge successfully from the experience. If you are going through a situation of adaptation to another country, you should consider that you are an enterprising person and that, probably, your adventure will bring you extraordinary experiences and moments.
