Moving to a new city can create major life stress even in the best of times! Add to that adapting to a new job and possibly leaving behind a friend group or a college campus packed with activities, and the change can seem overwhelming.

Here are some tips to help you make the transition.

Get your bearings.

Take a walk around your neighborhood and explore your new community. Leave the four walls of your room or office and discover a new park, museum or coffee shop. Treat yourself to a fun outing at least once a month.

Follow your (outdoor) passions.

Do you like to run, camp or shop? Many communities offer running clubs, and some retail outlets focused on the outdoors offer travel adventures. More into impractical shoes than hiking boots? Invite a like-minded co-worker for a shopping day at the outlet malls.

Join a parish

with an active young adult group. Most offer a wide range of activities such as Theology on Tap, service opportunities and movie nights.

You can go home again! Reconnect with old friends via videoconferencing or when visiting your family at Thanksgiving. Take the opportunity to remember how you met, and have faith that the Lord will put new friends in your life as you enter this new chapter.

Remember St. Paul’s words in Philippians: “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (4:5-7)