EduCareer StaffBlog"Rinjin Blog" | "EduCareer"Supporting your career in English teaching in the Japanese school system

Holiday Stress

2010/12/28

The holidays can be a stressful time for those living overseas. The weather might be different than what you are used to, parents might be laying on the guilt for you not being home for the holidays, and it can be more stressful than you realize not to participate in the usual holiday traditions. The idea of hopping on a plane and never coming back can be very tempting as the end of December rolls around, especially if it seems like all your friends are going home and you're stuck in Japan. Here are some tips for overcoming homesickness and feeling more genki!

1) Call, skype, write home. You may think it might make you more homesick, but talking to family and friends back home will make you feel better.

2) Get out and do something different. Even if you're not leaving the country for the holidays, try visiting a new part of Japan or even just exploring somewhere new in the city. Different surroundings can make you excited to be in Japan again.

3) Start a new tradition- dinner at a certain restaurant, ordering pizza and watching your favorite Christmas movie, or having a Secret Santa exchange with friends can give you a sense of celebrating the holidays, even if it's not what you're used to.

4) Rest up! The end of school term is stressful- resting and recovering is important.

Have a happy holiday, from all of us at EduCareer!

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