Moving abroad made me realize that happiness rarely comes from big events—it’s the small, almost invisible things that keep life warm and manageable. Here are a few habits that have genuinely improved my own day-to-day well-being overseas.
01 Find a pace that actually belongs to you
When I first moved abroad, I kept following everyone else’s rhythm—socializing because others said it was necessary, staying busy because people around me were busy.
Eventually, I learned that comfort comes from setting my own pace.
Even half an hour of walking, journaling, or just breathing slowly can bring more peace than a calendar packed for no reason.
02 Build a small, stable circle of real friends
Living abroad teaches you quickly that quality > quantity.
Having just two or three people you can talk to, grab a meal with, or share small life moments with can make a foreign city feel a lot less cold.
03 Reduce daily friction by simplifying essentials
Sometimes happiness comes from removing annoyance.
For example, when I need to pay for something related to China, I now just use tools that support WeChat Pay top up, or services like Payenjoynow that help handle domestic platform payments from overseas.
Fewer complications = more energy left for life.
04 Keep your “little pool of interests” alive
Whether it’s gaming, running, photography, cooking, or learning something new—any small passion adds color to everyday life.
Living abroad can feel lonely sometimes, but curious people are never truly bored.
05 Accept that life won’t be perfect, but aim to make each day a bit lighter
Life abroad brings freedom, but also inconvenience, culture gaps, and quiet moments of homesickness.
You’d be surprised how much joy comes from cleaning your room, cooking something warm, solving a lingering issue, or treating yourself to something small.
Tiny improvements add up.
Happiness abroad isn’t loud—it’s a collection of small wins that make daily life smoother, softer, and more yours.
I hope you find your own rhythm and comfort wherever you are in the world.
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