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Essentials

Wellbeing is defined as "the state of being happy, healthy or prosperous." Being all three is no mean feat. For expats seeking that balance, especially just after relocating, achieving wellbeing can be especially challenging.

Relocation challenges

The stress involved with moving to a new country throws many expats off balance. Traumas, bad relationships and life's disappointments seem to become a thing of the past as you pack your bags and face a... Wellbeing is defined as "the state of being happy, healthy or prosperous." Being all three is no mean feat. For expats seeking that balance, especially just after relocating, achieving wellbeing can be especially challenging.

Relocation challenges

The stress involved with moving to a new country throws many expats off balance. Traumas, bad relationships and life's disappointments seem to become a thing of the past as you pack your bags and face a new future full of possibilities. But once the honeymoon wears off, the subsequent expatriate adjustment process can be difficult as one settles into a new culture and lifestyle. Expat counselling can be useful in some cases—check out Expatica’s A-Z listings and Groups & Clubs listings to find expat care near you. For some expats, simply getting out and about, making an effort to get involved in the local and international community is enough to get back on track. As Expatica article ‘Notes for country movers’ points out to singles: Don't become a hermit or a bar-fly. Get out and about. Try to network with the expat community. Read expat newspapers or magazines. Socialise with people from the office, carry on with your favourite sports, hobbies or interests. This way, you'll meet like-minded people, even if they don’t speak the same language. Couples, especially if one partner isn’t working, also need to focus on making new contacts and building up a network in their new land.

Networking and going out

Expatica forums(Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, UK) are a great way to network and to meet other expats. Set up a user profile and make an effort to participate in the online community. One expat who relocated to the Netherlands with her partner found the simple act of buying a dog got the locals chatting to her: "I stop and say 'Hi!' to other dog owners. The small talk that transpires is a great way to practice my Dutch with native speakers, and more importantly, my neighbours.' If you’re looking for a partner, join Expatica’s dating site or keep an eye out for Expatica’s regular singles nights and speed dating events. Or check out Expatica’s What’s on section (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, UK) to plan your own night (or day) out.

Join a group

Whether you take up yoga, wine tasting, or enroll in a language course, you’ll find this to be a great way to meet people. For mothers with young children, joining a local playgroup can help you to make new friends and pick up tips such as where to find a reliable babysitter and where to send your child to school.

Relaxation time

Check out Expatica articles to find the best recreation spots in your area for a family picnic, walk with the dog, or simply go for a stroll to clear out the cobwebs of the day. Make use of the Expatica A-Z listings to search for regional health clubs, spas and beauty salons should you feel like pampering yourself. Massage away your cares and enjoy expat life to the full!

The editor's guide to Expatica's Wellbeing section in the Netherlands.

Visit our country sites

Relocation challenges

Relocation challenges

Relocation challenges

Networking and going out

Join a group

Relaxation time

Wellbeing - Essential Articles

24/01/2012 Editor's guide to Wellbeing in the Netherlands