How to be happy as an expat in Brazil

Cheryl · 2021-05-26T12:57:33+02:00

Explore tips for building happiness as an expat in Brazil. Share strategies for managing stress, forming connections, and embracing local culture.

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator26 May 2021 10:57:33

13885

Hi everyone,

Being happy is surely our common goal, whether we are living in Brazil as an expat or somewhere else.
We would love to know your tips and tricks to be fully fulfilled and happy as an expat in your host country.

New environment may require new habits. Which habits did you have to implement to live a good life in Brazil?

How do you keep stress in check? Which activities or mantras help you in that regard?

How to form meaningful connections and create a support system in Brazil on which you can rely on?

How to track your goals and achieve them without feeling overwhelmed?

What did you learn from Brazilians about the notion of happiness and how does it inspire you?

Thanks for your contribution!

Cheryl,
禁漫天堂 team

Ron Hevener Active member

Member since 13 June 2017

Ron HevenerActive member31 May 2021 13:42:15

From my travels & adventures, I've learned one thing: It doesn't matter so much "where" you go, people will treat you pretty much the same as you treat them.聽 (With occasional surprises good or bad, but we won't get into that) .... My advice? Make as many friends and connections as you can -- and find an activity that brings others of similar interests into your life & you into theirs .... Could be church, could be organizations, could be theater -- who knows? Just as long as it's LIFE. And (one last bit of advice) ... I'm talking about real people with real vitality & interaction -- not something like Facebook, which is just a glorified way of聽 being a hermit. And practice your smile & laughter -- because nothing is a better "people magnet" than that -- And one more thing: Accept invitations, because once you don't, they stop coming in. And it's important to replenish the friends and connections who just move on -- or, in this day & age .... die off.

pup8617 Active member

Member since 12 April 2021

pup8617Active member31 May 2021 13:55:33

Ron Hevener wrote:
From my travels & adventures, I've learned one thing: It doesn't matter so much "where" you go, people will treat you pretty much the same as you treat them.聽 (With occasional surprises good or bad, but we won't get into that) .... My advice? Make as many friends and connections as you can -- and find an activity that brings others of similar interests into your life & you into theirs .... Could be church, could be organizations, could be theater -- who knows? Just as long as it's LIFE. And (one last bit of advice) ... I'm talking about real people with real vitality & interaction -- not something like Facebook, which is just a glorified way of聽 being a hermit. And practice your smile & laughter -- because nothing is a better "people magnet" than that -- And one more thing: Accept invitations, because once you don't, they stop coming in. And it's important to replenish the friends and connections who just move on -- or, in this day & age .... die off.

Great answer by Ron, I would add the following:

1. If you have "issues" simply moving country won't solve them, deal with the issues as best you can and then adjust to the new country.
2. Make friends with local people, this will require you to learn the language to a fairly advanced level, at least intermediate.
3. Don't have too high expectations - accept reality for what it is. I see this all the time with expats in Brazil, they expect Brazil to change, it probably won't, accept it and you will be much happier. If what's wrong here does improve, that's a plus.聽
4. Work out what it is you want in life (that's really hard and now always possible!) and then try and work out which parts of that are possible or impossible in your adopted home. If you really love trout fishing in upland streams that isn't going to be possible in Manaus, but it is possible in Santa Catarina.
5. If you are living where you are living because of a relationship (marriage?) or job and you're deeply unhappy, you have a big issue. You have to work out whether the grass really is greener on the other side or just looks that way.Don't screw up your life because you aren't 100% satisfied.