Moving to a new location can be exciting, exhausting, and discouraging all at once. To reduce homesickness and put down roots in your new town, you should try to get involved with new hobbies and community organizations. The tips below will help you adjust to the new residence and meet some new friends who will welcome you into the community.

4 Ways to Adjust After Moving

1. Keep in Touch

If you’re far from home, you probably miss your friends and family. This is a natural part of moving away, and while keeping in touch with the ones you love may temporarily make you more homesick, it’s a healthy long-term strategy. You’ll be more grounded knowing that you have a strong support base, even if your new environment sometimes seems overwhelming.

2. Find a Local Church

Most churches go far beyond Sunday sermons to play an active role in their community. Additionally, the congregation is sure to welcome you and your family with open arms. Attending and volunteering with this community organization is an excellent way to start meeting people who are passionate about your new town.

3. Don’t Fall Into a Rut

Before you’re plugged into the social scene in your new town, it’s easy to adopt a boring, safe routine — go to work or school, come home, stay in and binge-watch the latest hit. However, the easy way doesn’t always yield the most satisfying results. You never know what new hobbies you’ll enjoy and where you’ll make new friends. Look for local meetups that match your interests, or consider joining a community organization. Commit to trying a handful of new things each week and you’ll see new possibilities unfold.

4. Be Patient

Fitting into a new place takes time, so don’t feel discouraged if you don’t find a rhythm right away. The more new people you meet, the stronger your social skills will become. Joining a community organization or other group can help jump-start this process. Giving yourself the time and space to adapt and grow will pay off — you might soon grow to love your new environment.

If you want a church that’s also a robust community organization, visit Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Dickinson, TX. Led by Rev. Kevin Reeves, this congregation offers community engagement, Sunday worship, Sunday school classes, and Wednesday night Bible studies. To learn more about them, call (409) 218-9339 or visit them online.