4 Ways To Cope With Culture Shock

Title image: pretty young lady on retro phone

A lot of people think of culture shock as something new immigrants to a country goes through or an experience privy only to those who move to a different, strange or foreign environment. But culture shock is the feelings of stress, anxiety, uncertainty one gets when they are faced with unfamiliar culture in life, business or social environment. According to google, it is:

The feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.

Culture shock can be experienced even by the most open-minded and culturally diverse or sensitive people. In wake of the new presidential election in the USA, many people in the world will be forced to cope with the new global culture or withdraw. Undoubtedly, the pot will be stirred. Things will become unfamiliar for even the most culturally diverse person.

Being an immigrant and first generation Canadian, I certainly understand the perils of culture shock. We can also experience culture shock when we transitioned from one job to another. But what I have grown to understand and appreciate is that life is about growth—overcoming difficulties, challenges, changes, and of course, shock! So while the world is changing to the point where no one seems to understand anything anymore, we can strive for peace—world peace and more importantly, inner peace.  Here I have organized four ways to help you cope with the imminent uncertainty of our new modern day world and global culture you can draw from:

Be Open Minded

WordArt girl, lady, praying

• First thing, first. Do your due diligence. It is imperative that you research and learn as much as you can about the new culture. Strive to understand the values and motives behind the culture. This will make things easier to process and accept their way of doing things and make life less shocking.

• Do some detective work into their past triumphs and trials by asking questions to get a better understanding of who they are.

• Maintain a strong sense of humor. Humor is the glue that holds dark and light together.

• Understand that the things will be challenging once the honeymoon phase is over; so give yourself time to adjust without being too hard on yourself.

• Learn all you can about the new culture and the people who foster it. Join in on the fun and find new ways to cultivate growth. Remember, acceptance is the key to growth. So don't let fear of the unknown keep you closed-minded and/or hold you back.

Watch the Stereotypes

Aboriginal young man, bright eyes, big smile

• Set stereotypes aside. Let go of whatever you thought were the "Typical" image, behavior, or doctrines of a particular country or culture. Realize that there will be people and things that will fit the image you've created in your head or what was mapped out for you, but some won't. As a matter of fact, there is no such thing as a "Typical" anything or anyone. Once you start thinking "typical", you start putting people and things in a box which can lead to all sorts of "isms" which is not good for any of us. Simply use what you thought you knew or what you've heard as a gauge and not the mold. Holding on to stereotypes will hinder your growth and development. Instead, look, listen and learn.

• Remember, things aren't always as they seem nor do they always go as planned. People come in all sorts of shades, shapes, sizes, as well as looks and ways. So before you start to typecast, pigeonhole and label people be careful that you are not just setting yourself up for failure and frustrations. 

• Life has a way of throwing us curve balls. It is important to take things in stride and deal with people on a case by case basis. No one is one-dimensional: every behavior is situational, and every situation is subjective. So don't judge people base on one incident or paint the whole town with the same brush. Those who can adjust with the tide will succeed, those who cannot fall by the wayside. 

• Comparison is the thief of joy. Comparing people to other people you know is like cheating yourself out of something wonderful. Get to know everyone and accept them on their own merits. Don't judge them because "their way" of doing things is different from what you are used to. Everyone has their own norm.

• Expect the unexpected. Everything is changing. Don't withdraw because things are not what you expected. This is the biggest no-no! The shock is to be expected and is a normal part of the growth process. So force yourself to get involved and continue to experience, and feel and accept the new culture. It will be harder to re-emerge if you do withdraw. Besides withdrawal can cause anger, bitterness, and depression. None of which are good or acceptable social behavior in society.

Explore Your New Environment 

Curious Yorkshire terrier puppy

• Take time to get out and talk to different people: create new experiences, explore new friendships and influence others— You can open the conversation by introducing yourself, asking questions and talking about your own culture and experiences. 

• Associate yourself with positive, forward-thinking, like-minded individuals and/or groups who will inspire you and keep you motivated. Join different groups and communities to keep educated and elevated.

• Travel to inner cities and go to conventions, cultural events, museums and historic site—but before you go—check out a few details—such as time zones, safe zones, things not to do or say, foods, main political party in the area, main customs, and religion(s), and so forth. You don't want to find yourself in preventable hot water. Be in the know at all times. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Also check currency, culture, and electrical outlet if traveling to a different country altogether. 

• Also, if the language is different from that of your own, study a few simple words and phrases such as hello, goodbye, thank you and you are welcome as well as words like washroom, restaurant, and taxi. Try new foods and dances in an effort to immerse yourself fully in the culture. This will give you a deeper, more authentic and richer understanding and appreciation for it.

Remember Your Roots

Young girl child looking down

• Keep home near and dear to your heart by staying in touch with people from your roots—your social support system—via the Internet, phone, postcards. This will give you some sense of control, comfort, and normalcy while adjusting. It will also help to reduce any culture shock you might experience. 

• Bring a few sentiments of home or work with you—photos of favorite places, friends, and family members; as well as a collection of your favorite music, snacks or knickknacks.

• Embrace our own culture by joining a church that is familiar to you. Find out where your people congregate in the community and go there and get involved. This will help to balance the differences between the old and the new culture and ward off anxiety and apprehension. Also, you won't feel isolated or alone in a strange world. And finally, stay active, eat well, and get enough sleep. 

Remember, culture shock is any cultural change in what you are used to; whether you are home or abroad. It can happen anytime you experience a drastic shift in society or scenery. It is that feeling of undulation you get ranging from complete and utter elation to adaptation. This is all natural and normal part of adjusting to your new culture or norm. Though some may find it nearly impossible to adapt, simply stick it out and ride the waves. I promise you, it does get easier over time.

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Andrene Gregory is a life coach at Aggie Strong Ultimate Life Coaching Services. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn for more tidbits of information and learn more about her. She provides one-to-one coaching and group workshops to adults seeking to improve their life skills, lifestyle and leadership capabilities for greater personal power and a  balanced life.