There’s no better time to form new habits, chase new goals and become the person you’ve always dreamt of than after moving to Bend, Oregon – but where do you start? Here are a few tips for building a new life after your relocation:

Participate in Familiar Hobbies

You don’t have to give up everything you love when you start over and maintaining some sense of familiarity can make your move easier. Find places to continue your favorite hobbies and pastimes. If you regularly practiced yoga before you relocated, search for the best studios in your new town and sign up for a class. Not only will you meet like-minded individuals, but you’ll find a place to spend some of your free time.

Venture Outside of Your Comfort Zone

Push yourself to try new things when you move. You may be surprised to find you enjoy activities that you would have never given a second thought in your old life. Visit the bulletin board of local coffee shops to learn about community events and social groups outside of your norm.

Get a Dog – Then Walk It

Moving can be lonely, and a dog not only provides companionship but also introduces you to a community of other pet owners. Studies prove that owning a pet boosts your mood, which can be helpful when you’re in the early adjustment phase. Taking your pet on walks or to dog parks gives you something to do with your downtime.

Join a Gym

Exercise is a natural stress reliever during what can be considered one of the most stressful times of your life. Aside from this benefit, joining a gym also encourages a sense of community. Social workouts, like group fitness classes and sports leagues, build friendships and connections in your new town.

Find a Support Group

Across the globe are groups that bind us, whether through faith, culture or sister- and brotherhood. Finding the “chapter” in your new area can deliver emotional support and hone pre-existing connections.

Take a Chance on Your Dreams

You know that plan you’ve always wanted to pursue? Well, now’s the time. Feel free to start your dreams without fear of judgment from old friends and family. In a new place where no one knows you, you have the freedom to try, fail, try again, and eventually succeed.

Practice Patience

Your old life wasn’t built in a day, a month, or even a year, so you can’t expect the same of your new life. Forming lasting friendships and creating a fresh start takes time, effort, and lots of patience.

If you’ve chosen to relocate, then you’re looking for a change and you have to be open to do just that. Approaching your new town with openness will make starting over easier. Start by getting to know your new city and then begin seeking out and saying yes to all opportunities like those listed above.

If you need a hand getting acclimated to Bend, Oregon, our staff at Bend Relocation Services are happy to point you toward the places that will make you feel most at home.