3 important aspects to adapt to a new country

Several psychological keys for people migrating from one place to another.

The process of change involved in living in another country is a situation that anyone can appreciate as psychologically destabilizing.

There are different reasons why people decide to move from one territory to another, to emigrate (improvement of personal stability, search for a new country, etc.). (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, a demanding challenge

Emigrating without adequate preparation can result in poor adaptation to the new place, feelings of guilt, feelings of sadness expressed in a sense of emptiness, discouragement and frustration at 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 oneself to face the hard times

From the theory of emotional intelligence self-awareness is the key point to overcome and be successful in any situation.It is basically to recognize what one is feeling at the moment (joy, sadness, guilt) and what is the reason for this emotion, knowing oneself will facilitate the social and cultural readaptation in the new context, understanding and feeling will allow an adequate management of our emotions promoting pleasant feelings.

It is natural that in some cases there may be feelings of lonelinessIt is natural that in some cases there are feelings of loneliness, due to the physical distancing from relatives and usual places, sadness and nostalgia for the desire to see loved ones or to be in places previously usual. To understand these feelings is to allow them to be sustained in a shorter time, questions such as: what am I feeling and why am I feeling it? What do I feel I am missing? What can I do to improve my mood?

2. Open up 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 involved in the process of adaptation 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 yield to the demands of the environment, in this stage you can try new clothes, doing different activities or experimenting with new tastes and interests, adapting it to your values and personality..

B. Conflict differentiation phase

The second is the phase of conflict differentiation or their isolation from the receiving environment, suggests an open critique of the new environment considering a possible isolation from the environment and society in which they find themselves.. In this sense, changes in culture in general represent a challenge for migrants, which is sometimes difficult for them to assimilate and accommodate in their own personal structure.

Identifying what causes us to trust and like the environment in which we are will help us to discover ourselves.. On the other hand, broadening one's experiences and learning will enrich the vision with which one perceives the world.

C. Hierarchical integration phase

The last one 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 square where it is pleasant to go. Any alternative that is found will allow the integration of a new model of vision of the panorama, and as a result we will have benefits such as the integration of a new model of vision.As a result, we will have benefits such as increased self-esteem, personal development, finding new ways of thinking, feeling and living.

3. Thinking positively

As mentioned above, the adaptation to another country can be perceived as destabilizing, it represents the fall of a paradigm.It represents the fall of a paradigm of customs and habits that were habitually 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 finding a job, change of diet or food, stress and anxiety or eventual limitations).

The theory of positive thinking offers the possibility to improve and place ourselves in the success of our plans more easily. Thinking positively is to objectively evaluate the 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 learning from each situation. Allowing the approach, the motivation, the predisposition to make the right decisions, and in general to a convenient attitude.and in general to a suitable attitude towards the new change. With this vision all obstacles will be opportunities for improvement.

In this way we can find in the difficulties of employment an opportunity to broaden the panorama, to be an explorer of creative ideas, to be an entrepreneur in what you like and to find the way to be successful.

The process of migratory change represents a challenge that few people dare to take.That is why whoever ventures to live an experience such as adapting to living in a new country must be willing to acquire the skills and abilities to succeed in the experience. If you are going through a situation of adaptation to another country you must consider that you are an enterprising person and that, probably, your adventure will bring you extraordinary experiences and moments.