Homesick? Me too.

While being homesick can feel just as terrible (or worse) as the flu, it's not a real sickness; it's a state of mind and just like any other state of mind, it can be overcome! Picture studying abroad as a relationship. At first, you're head over heels infatuated with it. A brand new place, a new culture and new people. You can't understand what anyone is speaking or what the signs are saying but it's exhilarating and fun. The honeymoon phase is in full effect! But after the first few weeks, you begin to fall into your routine and the fact that you can't figure out the bus system or where the pasta sauce is starts to piss you off. The rainy weather that was once a boujee aesthetic is now just plan miserable as you try to bike to class. Well, that was me about a week ago. And ladies and gentlemen, I will be the first to say that it really, truly sucks. But alas, I have survived this bitter stage in my relationship with Denmark and am here to spew out a few words of wisdom to help the next batch of poor souls through a tough time!

1) The right comfort food can cure you real quick. If you suspect that you're just overwhelmed by all the new things in your life, perhaps a familiar taste from home can get you back to feeling on top of your game. Go ahead and whip up a batch of your mom's homemade baked macaroni or a copycat Chipotle burrito bowl. Did you guys know that they don't have Chipotle over in Denmark? Boy, it was news to me. Regardless, avoid consuming too much comfort food as it is often unhealthy. But don't forget to taste the local cuisine over there--you might find a new favorite meal!

2) FaceTime, FaceTime, FaceTime. If I lived back in the times when handwritten letters were the main means of communication, I probably would have gone crazy by now. Wow...I sound like the most cliche millennial ever. Knowing that you have the ability to hear your best-friend's laugh and see your sister's (somewhat pretty) face whenever you want is really comforting. Just take into consideration that there's probably a pretty big time difference; they might not love you as much if you call at 4 am. Heed my warning though: don't spend so much time calling home that you miss our on experiencing what's in front of you right now.

3) Make a few friends. Being homesick isn't fun--neither is being lonely. Being homesick AND lonely though is...for lack of a better word, really shitty. Avoid this by introducing yourself to the people who live around you. As a people, Danes are really reserved. I wasn't aware of this, so I just assumed they just plain hated me off the bat. Don't be afraid to speak up and be the first one to make a move of friendship. A major key (not a reference to DJ Khaled) to success is including alcohol into the equation. They're old enough to drink...you're FINALLY old enough to drink...get a bottle popped and friendship flowing.

4) Hop on a plane. If you're starting to get set in your routine and feel a funk coming on, book a weekend getaway to another European country! Flights are super cheap and Airbnb is quick, safe and easy. Getting away will help keep your mind off being homesick and make you experience that honeymoon phase all over again in a new place!

5) Hop off of social media. FOMO is all too real and it's a completely avoidable burden. Sure, Beta might be throwing a huge party or you're witnessing the Cleveland Indians make history with a 22-game winning streak (*sigh) but in the scheme of things, what you're doing is pretty damn cool.

6) Set a goal. Mine is to become comfortable being alone...which I'm making leaps and bounds on, thanks for asking. Set a goal and focus on accomplishing it: lose those 10 pounds, figure out a career path, learn the basics of a new language.

7) Treat yoself! Sure, money might be a little tight if you just spent your entire savings on the flight over and rent. Side-note though, can you think of a better way to spend your money? Regardless, make sure to save a little bit and treat yourself to something that will make you feel better. I'm not saying go out and pull a Tom Haverford/Donna Meagle shopping spree, but maybe buy that cute sweatshirt or book that authentic Swedish massage. After all, you are in super close proximity to the country where it was coined. Okay fine...I've talked myself into it.

8) Exercise. Feeling good on the outside can do wonders for how you feel on the inside. Confidence is so important and can lead to great results in your social life. You'll be more willing to put yourself out there and meet new people. Plus, how cool would it be to come home and look hot as hell?

9) Be open about how you feel. You're not special; hundreds of people are studying abroad alongside you right now. I live with about 20 other people and although I'm in Denmark, only a small handful of them are Danish. They knew what I was going through because they've been through it themselves. Chances are, the people around you probably understand what you're going through and would be more than willing to share their advice, too.

10) Make a home out of your new home. You did it once with college--you can do it again! There's no difference between the two...except the whole distance and language thing. But hey, more difficult obstacles have been overcome.

Dr. Seuss said, "All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone is something you'll be quite a lot." Feeling homesick is a normal part of being away from home...we're only human! But don't be so overcome with it that you forget to read on because, "On and on you will hike, and I know you'll hike far and face up to your problems, whatever they are."