There comes a point in everyone’s life when you need to settle down. This could be as early as your 20s, or it could come when you are already in your senior years. Either way, the need to nest and finally quiet down comes to us all. Just because you aren’t globe-trotting for months or years on end, however, doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy your new life. There are many benefits to settling down, from career advancement to simply building a family. To help you settle down after you have spent a long time travelling the world, follow this guide:
1. Find Your Dream Place
Regardless of whether you are renting or buying, you should try to find a place to call home once you’ve decided to settle. We can put up with a lot when the living situation is only temporary, but when you are looking to settle down, it needs to be in a place that not only has the function you need, but also the design aesthetics. The more creative you are, the more options you will have.
Your dream place is also dependent on where you are. For those who are looking to settle down a bit after spending a long time abroad, you should probably start in the city. That way you the transition can be easier and instead of exploring the world, you can explore your neighborhood. This is perfect for young people, singles, and generally just those without children. If you are settling down because you have kids, however, then you need to find a place that is safe, has a good school, and is in a home that your family can grow in.
2. Make it Home
The mere act of decorating and designing the layout of your home makes it yours. It is a great way to feel safe, comfortable, and homey. It is also how you will settle down easier. If you live in a flat that has unpacked boxes and is generally barren, then you won’t feel like staying there. The more effort you put in, the calmer you will be. The point of settling down is putting in roots – making lifelong friends near you, furthering your career, and even starting a family. You need a home to do this, so make it special to you.
3. Love Your Neighborhood
Once your new home is set up and you feel like you belong in it, it’s time to expand your horizons and get to know your neighborhood. This is when you will explore your city unlike you’ve ever explored anywhere before. Use your know-how and experience to find the best places to eat, the hidden gems of the city, and to keep an ear out for all the exciting events you would be interested in. Loving a city is easy, you just need to get out there and get to know it.
4. Make Friends
While making friends is more difficult for adults than it is for young people, it isn’t impossible. Start by hanging out with your coworkers, and meeting their friends. The same applies to your neighbors. You don’t have to be friends with these people automatically, but be friendly, and hopefully you’ll click with someone in their social circles. Other ways that you can make friends is by joining groups, teams, or organizations that appeal to you.
5. Take on Responsibility
Families automatically have the responsibility needed to help parents feel settled. If you don’t have children, or don’t want children, however, you can still benefit from adopting a pet like a dog or a cat. Dogs, in particular, are great companions, and incredibly empathetic. Not only will they give you the love and friendship that you need to feel at home, but they will also increase your health and social circles. Going for daily walks will increase your longevity and health, and dog people are notoriously friendly. Combined, you will get the exercise you need, and might even make new friends along the way.
Remember, though, that dogs aren’t something to get on a whim. You need to be prepared for the time and commitment that it takes to own and care for a dog. This means feeding them correctly, giving them the attention they need, and even ensuring you stay on top of preventative measures by using products from Pet-Lock or making a visit to the vet.
6. Make it Work
When you are first trying to settle down after spending so much time on the move, it can be tricky. You need to really analyze whether a place you are unhappy with is because the place doesn’t work for you, or because you are feeling the travel itch again.
7. You Will Travel Again
Just because you have “settled down” doesn’t mean that you won’t travel ever again. The only difference is that you will travel for a shorter period while you are using your vacation time. Instead of backpacking around a continent, you’ll be exploring smaller areas, one-at-a-time. Try to slow down your methods too, so that you discover more of one place, than see the landmarks of many.
8. Reach Your Goals
When you decide to settle, it’s for a reason. If you want to be happy and continue to be fulfilled, then you need to work towards your goals. This applies to all areas of your life. It could apply to your job, it could apply to your personal projects, and it can even apply to your social life. Move forwards, and you won’t feel trapped; instead, you’ll feel grounded.
Travel is one of the best things in life, but you cannot do it for your whole life. That is why you need to settle down. Settling down is how you’ll advance your career, how you’ll make strong friendships, and even how you’ll support a family. Settling down doesn’t mean you’ll never travel again, either, just that your visits will be more spread out. The more roots you grow once you’re settled, the happier and more supported you will be.