Ivana Mrgan’s Post

Returning Home for the Holidays: Joy or Juggle for Expats? 🌍 As the holiday season approaches, many of us living abroad are preparing to return home for Christmas. For me, it means flying from Kenya back to Germany. It’s more than just a holiday—it’s a delicate balance between two worlds. While it’s a time to reunite with family and celebrate familiar traditions, it also brings challenges. The experience of Reverse Culture Shock often hits when the familiar suddenly feels strange. We’ve changed, but others may still see us as the same. On top of that, there’s the pressure of numerous celebrations, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists. The hustle can leave us feeling overwhelmed—even though we came home to relax. How do we find time for ourselves amidst the festivities? This season is also a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and what still aligns with who we are now. It’s a time for growth, but it requires mindfulness and space to navigate it. For those of you who’ve experienced this "homecoming," how did you manage the emotional and cultural shifts? What helped you cope with reverse culture shock? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences. 🎅🏽✈️ #ExpatLife #ReverseCultureShock #CulturalTransition #ExpatExperience

Coping with Holiday Homesickness as an Expat The holiday season can be a magical time, but for expats, it often comes with an extra layer of emotional complexity: homesickness. Missing family traditions, familiar foods, and loved ones can make this time of year feel particularly challenging. But there are ways to make the season brighter and create a sense of connection, even from afar. 🌍✨ Here are some tips to help you navigate holiday homesickness: 🎄 Create New Traditions While it’s natural to miss old traditions, starting new ones in your current location can be equally meaningful. Whether it’s cooking a dish from your host country or hosting a potluck with friends, these small steps can help you embrace the present moment. 📞 Stay Connected Thanks to technology, staying in touch with loved ones is easier than ever. Schedule video calls, share holiday moments virtually, or even host a virtual family game night to feel closer to home. 🤝 Join Local Celebrations Dive into the local culture by participating in festive events where you live. Experiencing the holidays through a new lens can add a unique layer of joy to the season. 💌 Keep Meaningful Reminders Incorporate a few cherished traditions from back home. This might mean decorating your home in a way that feels familiar or baking that one dessert your family always enjoys together. 💖 Practice Gratitude Take a moment to reflect on the opportunities and growth you’ve experienced as an expat. A gratitude journal can help you focus on the positives and celebrate your journey. Remember, it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions during this time. Homesickness is a sign of the deep love and connection you have for your roots—and it’s something to honor. At the same time, creating joy where you are now can open the door to new, beautiful memories. You’re not alone in this, and you’re stronger than you think. 💪 Wherever you are, may this holiday season bring you peace, connection, and a touch of magic. 🌟 How do you cope with holiday homesickness? Share your tips below! 👇 #ExpatLife #HolidayHomesickness #ExpatCommunity #LifeAbroad #Expats #LivingAbroad #CulturalDiversity #TravelLife #GlobalCitizen #ExpatsUnite #HomeAwayFromHome #ExpatSupport #NewTraditions #HolidaySeason #ExpatChallenges #EmotionalWellness #SelfCare #HolidayJoy #Gratitude #ExpatsHelpingExpats #HomesicknessSupport #VirtualConnections #FestiveSeason #ExpatJourney #MakingNewMemories #ExpatsWorldwide #ExpatsConnect

Happy Easter 🐰🐣 Holidays (like Easter) can be an extremely challenging time for us expats. Because it's the time we usually spend with friends and family, the time we follow rituals where we feel a sense of belonging and connection. When we live abroad, we miss out on an ester egg hunt with our nephew, an Easter dinner with your family, a gathering with your friends. And that can be very painful. The feeling of missing out, of being apart from loved ones, of being isolated and lonely. That's when most expats hide in their own bubble. Where they decide to shut down, indulge in food, alcohol or other distractions trying desperately to not feel their emotions. But that doesn't help. That doesn't make you feel any better, in fact it makes you feel worse. The solution isn't to hide, the solution is to show up. Build a network, make friends, socialise. Go out and meet people, do something fun, experience your new country's traditions. Stop hiding and indulging. Instead decide to take action and enjoy your expat life. And if it feels impossible to get out of your bubble, if you don't know where to start, if you feel unable to connect with people then that's okay because I've got you. I can help you to create a community where you belong, feel loved and supported. Send me a DM if you want to talk about how I can help you. #expat #easter #loneliness #community #networking #supportnetwork #makingfriends #connection

💡Thinking about letting the grandparents travel? It's not just about sightseeing; it's about boosting their physical and mental well-being too! 🧓👵 Here's why it's a smart move: 🧠Mental Stimulation: Exploring new places keeps their minds sharp and engaged, preventing cognitive decline. 😑Emotional Well-being: Discovering new cultures and experiences lifts their spirits and adds excitement to their lives. 👬Social Interaction: Meeting new people during travels combats feelings of loneliness and isolation, fostering connections. ⚛️Physical Activity: Travel often involves walking and other activities, promoting better physical health. ☺️Stress Reduction: Breaking from routine and enjoying leisure activities in new settings reduces stress levels. 👨👩👦👦Family Bonding: Traveling with family, especially grandchildren, creates lasting memories and strengthens relationships. Letting the grandparents travel isn't just fun – it's a prescription for their overall well-being. #TravelWellness #ExploreAndThrive #FamilyAdventures #HealthyAging #MemoryMakers

The Truth About Spending Christmas as an Expat ! 🎄 "It’s Christmas… but it doesn’t always feel like Christmas." That’s the harsh truth many expats face during the holiday season. When I traveled extensively—celebrating in places as far-flung as Australia, the U.S., or Asia—I quickly learned that Christmas away from home is different. It’s not just the unfamiliar traditions or the lack of a snowy Lyon backdrop; it’s the ache of being far from loved ones, the struggle to recreate a sense of “home” in a place that still feels foreign. I remember one Christmas in the southern hemisphere, where the sun blazed and barbecue replaced the cozy meals I grew up with. It was beautiful in its own way, but I couldn’t shake the pang of homesickness as I FaceTimed my family. But here’s the thing: spending Christmas as an expat can also be an opportunity. It pushes you to redefine traditions, to build connections with others in similar situations, and to find joy in the unexpected. The year I hosted a “misfit Christmas” with a group of expats, we shared laughter, cultural traditions, and stories from home—and it remains one of my most cherished holiday memories. If you’re spending the holidays far from home this year, know this: ✨ It’s okay to miss what you’ve left behind. ✨ It’s okay to create something entirely new. ✨ And it’s okay to embrace the mix of emotions—it’s all part of the journey. To my expat friends: How do you celebrate Christmas when home feels far away? I’d love to hear your stories. Let’s share and support each other in the comments!

After a year filled with dedication and hard work, it's time to treat yourself to a much-deserved break! Whether you're drawn to the calming waves of the beach, the serene beauty of the mountains, or the luxurious comfort of a top-tier resort, holidays offer the perfect opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Research shows that taking time off can significantly improve mental health, reduce stress levels, and enhance creativity. In fact, a study by the American Psychological Association found that vacations can reduce stress by up to 68%, allowing you to return to work with renewed focus and vitality. The end-of-year holidays are an ideal period not only to relax but also to prepare mentally and physically for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year. By stepping away from your daily routine, you give yourself the chance to gain new perspectives and rekindle your passion. So, choose your ideal escape, soak in the experience, and embrace the tranquility and peace that these beautiful locations offer. 🗺️ 👜 🔗 Access our website and check the offers: https://buff.ly/3VcHPJP #Travel #TravelAdvisor #Luxury #Vacations #1000MTG #Getaway #relaxation #unwind #TravelGoals #TravelExperts #BookingTravel

After a year filled with dedication and hard work, it's time to treat yourself to a much-deserved break! Whether you're drawn to the calming waves of the beach, the serene beauty of the mountains, or the luxurious comfort of a top-tier resort, holidays offer the perfect opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Research shows that taking time off can significantly improve mental health, reduce stress levels, and enhance creativity. In fact, a study by the American Psychological Association found that vacations can reduce stress by up to 68%, allowing you to return to work with renewed focus and vitality. The end-of-year holidays are an ideal period not only to relax but also to prepare mentally and physically for the challenges and opportunities of the coming year. By stepping away from your daily routine, you give yourself the chance to gain new perspectives and rekindle your passion. So, choose your ideal escape, soak in the experience, and embrace the tranquility and peace that these beautiful locations offer. 🗺️ 👜 🔗 Access our website and check the offers: https://buff.ly/3WC7ltd #Travel #TravelAdvisor #Luxury #Vacations #1000MTG #Getaway #relaxation #unwind #TravelGoals #TravelExperts #BookingTravel

🌟 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐭 🌟 Entering the last week of November, the holiday season is almost upon us. And holidays can be a bit stressful, even if you're not an expat. Being an expat only adds an extra layer of complications and dilemmas to this time of the year. As an expat, you basically have 3 ways of celebrating: - Staying in your new country by yourself/yourselves. - Staying and receiving visitors from home.  - Travelling to your home country. I have written a blogpost for each of these options, guiding you through a less stressful December 💝 Links to each of the posts are in the comments! ... Of course there is the 4th option of travelling to an entire different country 🤔 I haven't written anything about that yet though. What are you doing this year for your expat Christmas? __________ #ExpatLife #TheHolidays #Christmas

🛩 Navigating expat summer holidays at home. A few thoughts and tips! Are you living abroad and returning home for a summer holiday? Maybe you are already there. How are you feeling? 💭 Here are a few comments I've received from those I've asked: "Looking forward to it!" "Dreading it a little bit." 🌪 There is a lot to coordinate and manage. ➡ Everyone has high expectations. ➡Maybe you want to see everyone that you can because you miss your friends and family. ➡Maybe you want to have a summer experience in your home country, to create memories for your own family or yourself! ➡You want to rest and relax a bit, it is a vacation after all. 💡 Here are a few tips to consider so that you return feeling rested, not resentful, and thinking “I’m never doing that again!” 1. Don’t pack every minute with visits. 2. Set your boundaries:  with kindness, you may have to decline invitations or say that you can’t make the two-hour car trip for that one visit. 3. Reconsider hosting big gatherings to try to see a lot of people at once. Parties take preparation ahead of time, and often you don’t have quality time with the people in attendance, which can be a disappointment. 4. Schedule time to relax. 5. Set a budget so you don’t overspend while visiting, shopping, going out for meals, or entertainment. 💗 Remember you will be tired when you return and will also have another set of emotions upon returning to your home abroad. 💗Part of living abroad is managing the emotions and expectations around returning to your home country. With a little planning and thinking ahead you can alleviate some of the stress, maybe not all of the disappointment, and hopefully feel like you have had some time to rest and recharge. 🌻 Does any of this resonate with you? How have you managed? Any tips to add? Comment below. #relocationcounseling #relocationconsulting #expatcounseling #expatconsulting #expatmentalhealth #relocationmentalhealth #expattraveltips

🎄 Surviving the Holidays as an Expat: Let Walking Be Your Secret Weapon 🌍🚶♀️ The holiday season can be magical—but as an expat, it can also bring challenges. Being far from family, navigating unfamiliar traditions, or even just missing home can leave you feeling overwhelmed or lonely. But here’s a simple, yet powerful way to ground yourself during the holidays: Go for a walk. 🌟 Why walking works: 🌱 It clears your mind. A brisk walk outdoors helps release stress and gives you space to process emotions. 🌲 It connects you with the moment. Whether you’re strolling through snowy streets, a local park, or along a quiet beach, walking helps you soak in your surroundings and find beauty where you are. 💬 It opens up conversation. Walking with a friend or loved one—whether in person or virtually—can make it easier to share what’s on your mind. Holiday Survival Tips for Expats: 1️⃣ Explore your surroundings: Discover local holiday markets, decorations, or natural trails. Walking helps you connect with your new environment and create new traditions. 2️⃣ Schedule virtual walks with loved ones: Take them along for a stroll via video call. It’s a meaningful way to share time together, even from afar. 3️⃣ Walk to reconnect with yourself: When the holiday chaos feels too much, step outside. Use your walk as a moment to breathe, reflect, and recharge. Being an expat during the holidays isn’t always easy, but remember: it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Let walking be your way to navigate the season with calm and connection. 🌟 Wherever you are, I hope your holidays are filled with warmth, joy, and a little time in nature. Happy Holidays! 🎁❄️ #ExpatsAtHolidays #HolidaySurvival #WalkingForWellbeing #NatureHeals #ExpatsConnect https://buff.ly/3wiWVP0 #foresttherapy #smallmomentsofcalm #natrueconnection #naturelover #metime #nature #natureseekers #Outdoorlife #getoutside #wanderer #Important #mentalcoach #mindfulwalk #nostress #forestbathing #goingoutdoors #expatcoach #coachingoutdoors #coachingexpats #expatsthenetherlands #natureconnection #thenetherlands #Expatsutrecht #amersfoort #utrecht #coachontheroad #outdoorlifecoaching #outdoorcoaching #Walkingcoach