They say it’s one of the most stressful things we can do, yet many of us relocate more than once in our lives.

For some, it’s fun and easy and it can be a great adventure! But others find it harder, often left feeling lonely and finding it hard to integrate themselves into a new area. There are many reasons and much to consider. The UKs North-South divide is not only alive-and-well but also far broader and wider-ranging than in previous times. So it can be a bit of a culture-shock even for someone who is only moving from one area of England to another, never mind between countries.

If you have work outside of the home, or have children in school, the transition may be smoother, as both offer ways to make new contacts. But we have moved several times over the last ten years and as I work from home, and have no children, those avenues weren’t available. I’m sharing some of the strategies I have picked up along the way, in hopes that they may be helpful for anyone in this position. Feeling lonely and isolated is horrible. If you are feeling that way and have lost all motivation, do please seek some outside help from a GP or helpline. Anything. But take a first step towards changing things. You deserve a happy and full life. If you’re ready  for a fresh start-here we go!

Tips For A New Start:-

1. Research your new area on-line. Is there a town or village website with local information? Is there a group or activity you could join?                                                             
2. Go for a walk every day. Not only will you more quickly learn your way around your new area, but you will start to see familiar faces to say ‘Hi’ to as well. You could even find a local group of ‘ramblers’ to join in with if you prefer. A dog makes this easier, but if you can’t have or don’t want a pet, walk anyway. It’s a great mood lifter, healthy exercise-and it’s free!                                                                                       
3. Check whether there are any ‘MeetUp’ (http://www.meetup.com/) activities in the area. They can be a great way to join in with something that interests you. One of their tag-lines is ‘Use the internet to get off the internet.’ They are a relatively new idea but are growing all the time! They match your area to activities and groups that may interest you. If MeetUp hasn’t found you yet, you can start a group yourself.                                                                                                                                                    
4. See if your area has a parish magazine. They are a great source of local information and upcoming events.                                                                                                                   
5. If you have a passion-consider sharing it. Others may be delighted to have a new ‘Book Club’ or ‘Foody Club’ to join.                                                                                         
6. It’s predictable, but it does work-consider a few hours a week doing some kind of ‘volunteering.’ You meet like-minded folks and in some areas, can be more fun than it sounds. Organisations like the National Trust are always on the look-out for people to help maintain some of the most beautiful places in the country. Not a bad way to find your feet.                                                                                                                      
7. If the neighbours seem pleasant, ask them round for coffee. They say ‘community’ is no longer strong, but we’re the only ones who can change that. I’ve had some lovely neighbours who remain in touch even though we moved.                                      
8. Don’t forget your old friends. Just because you’re no longer close physically, there’s no reason not to remain close to your friends emotionally. Thank goodness for our modern age; Phones, Facebook, Email, Skype, Facetime and all our other technology make keeping in touch easier than ever.                                                           
9. Set yourself goals, however small and give yourself things to look forward to. Whether it’s exploring a new area in the countryside or joining the local library, keep taking steps forward. It’s all progress!                                                                          
10. Give it time. Don’t let yourself get disheartened if it seems to take ages to settle into your new home. It will happen and you are worth it.

Be happy and prosper in your new life!