S1 E9 - Breaking Through Social Anxiety While Living Overseas
Breaking Through Social Anxiety While Living Overseas
Welcome to another episode of The Stretch Zone! Today, life coaches Hannah and Feds dive into a topic close to their hearts - the journey of building community in a foreign land. Drawing from their personal experiences and coaching insights, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of starting fresh in a new country. In this this episode we'll discuss social anxiety, cultural adaptation, and proven strategies for creating meaningful connections abroad. Whether you're an expat, planning to move overseas, or simply interested in cross-cultural connections, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world advice.
What we cover:
🔹 Building community takes time and patience Remember that meaningful connections don't happen overnight. Give yourself grace during the adjustment period and celebrate small wins along the way.
🔹 The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone Growth happens when we challenge ourselves. Start with small steps - perhaps joining one meetup or striking up a conversation with a neighbour.
🔹 How to leverage existing networks and groups Utilise expat communities, professional networks, hobby groups, and social media to find like-minded people.
🔹 Balancing integration with cultural identity Learn to embrace your new culture while maintaining your authentic self. It's okay to seek both local and expat connections.
Questions to ask yourself this week:
Have you ever struggled with social anxiety when living abroad? How did you cope?
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome in a social setting? How did you move past it?