OFWs shouldn’t live in isolation and the daily routine of going to work and going home, rinse, and repeat. It doesn’t mean you’re an OFW; there’s more to life than responsibilities, problems, and the struggles of living abroad. You can also explore different groups in the UAE that will help you grow and live life to the fullest!
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and join groups that share your interests, help you be better, and will make you get to know more people abroad! Not only will you have a great time, but you’ll also learn in the process. Here are our recommendations for groups or communities you should join as an OFW!
1. Mental health support groups
Let’s face it, being an OFW means you will be dealing with numerous struggles, and your mental health can go through a lot; of course, it’s essential to seek professional help for mental health issues that can be severe or life-disrupting, and there’s no shame in that! Mental health or support groups can help you go through life struggles and feel less lonely. You will get to know people who are on the same boat as you, get to know their stories and scars.
As OFW, mental health issues are often neglected since they have to be strong for their loved ones and dreams. You can seek the help of a professional and ask for advice on joining mental health support groups online or offline!
Going out after a long day at work or when homesickness or depression hits, going to a mental health support group can make a difference in your life! There’s no judgment in these types of groups, and sometimes all we need is a safe space to air our emotions and thoughts!
2. Fan groups
There is a good chance that there is a Black Pink fan group in your area that you can join, regardless of whether you are a Swiftie or a BTS fan. Fangirls will thoroughly enjoy joining fan groups since they will have a community of individuals who fangirl along with them.
In the event that you are an OFW and you wish to remain up-to-date on the most recent information on your preferred celebs or biases, joining fan clubs, whether they are online or offline, is an excellent forum for sharing information, insights, and updates pertaining to the subject of interest.
You also have the ability to impart your extensive knowledge of the fandom to others, which can give them insightful information. As an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), it is an excellent approach to relieve stress!
Conventions, events, and gatherings are organized by a great number of fan groups. Fans are able to get together, take part in activities, and celebrate their common interests in person at these meetings, which sounds like a lot of fun for any overseas Filipino workers who enjoy going out and meeting new people.
3. Bible studies
Joining a bible study group is another great way to relieve your stress as an OFW, it doesn’t matter if you’re not a Christian or what denomination you are in, joining a Bible study is for everyone! It’s an opportunity get to know more about your faith and who Jesus is and meet Christians who are imperfect just like you but through grace alone, is living by faith.
Bible studies whether online or offline can help you meet Christ-like people who loves digging deeper into the Bible, seeking the truth itself, and it’s also a safe space to unburden yourself and there’s no condemnation.
It’s a great opportunity to strengthen your faith, which can equip you in the trials and hardships of being an OFW. If you join Bible studies, research and learn if the group teaches sound teachings and if it’s aligned with the Bible. If you’re looking for refreshment for your soul and want to experience the love of Christ and get to know your purpose in life, joining a Bible study is an excellent option. It may be corny or boring to you to attend Bible studies when you can join other fun communities, but it doesn’t hurt to give it a chance.
4. Biking groups
If you are an OFW who enjoys riding a bike to relieve stress, you don’t have to do it by yourself because biking offers many health and welfare benefits. Therefore, it creates a sense of belonging by providing the ability to connect with other people who share similar interests. Members of a riding group feel connected to one another via their shared passion for cycling, which is a sense of community that may be gained through membership in a biking group.
It is possible for this community to penetrate beyond the boundaries of the riding paths and become a part of everyday life. Events, challenges, and charity rides are among activities that can be organized by biking organizations or in which they can take part.
In addition to contributing to a sense of accomplishment, these activities can make the experience of biking more exciting. Your passion for biking can take you in a variety of directions, from competing in triathlons to forming connections that will last a lifetime and get you through rough roads.
5. Networking groups
You should cultivate relationships with the proper people, expand your business, and educate yourself further in your skill if you are intent on elevating your career to a higher level. As an OFW, joining networking groups can help you open doors, as well as stimulate career and personal growth.
Participating in networking organizations provides you with the opportunity to improve your interpersonal and networking abilities. You can improve your ability to present yourself, communicate effectively, and establish relationships by engaging with professionals from various backgrounds.
6. Book clubs
Joining a book club sounds like a terrific way to pass the time, besides reading, of course, if you are a bookworm who wants to meet other book lovers, talk about books, drink beverages, and create friends that will last a lifetime besides being an OFW. It is possible that members would not have come across a wide variety of books and genres on their own, but being a book club will introduce them to something new.
Reading habits are improved, and literary preferences are broadened as a result of this diversity. One additional advantage of becoming a member of a book club as an OFW is that these clubs typically offer a friendly environment in which members can develop connections based on a common interest in literature. Through the creation of long-lasting social relationships, the companionship goes beyond the realm of literature.
7. Volunteer groups
You can put your enthusiasm for helping others to good use by becoming a member of a local volunteer organization. The rewards outweigh the challenges when you volunteer for a worthy cause. Both mental and physical well-being may benefit from volunteering, according to the research.
Reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving overall well-being have all been associated with engaging in charitable activities. Contributing your time and energy as a volunteer can look great on a CV and give you skills that could be useful in your future job. Employers will see that you are responsible, proactive, and dedicated, which is a win-win!
8. Arts and crafts classes
Art and craft lessons sound like paradise to a creative person. OFWs who are looking for a way to express themselves creatively and develop their artistic skills can benefit from taking art and craft programs. Taking part in a wide range of activities encourages creativity and new ideas. A therapeutic and stress-relieving pastime is the act of making art.
People find that engaging in creative pursuits allows them to unwind, express themselves, and relax. Participating in a class for arts & crafts is a great way to meet new people. An engaging and supportive community is formed via individuals interacting with one another, exchanging ideas, and working together on projects.
9. Outdoor adventure groups
Participating in a travel or adventure group is a great way for OFWs to meet other people who share their interests in seeing the world and experiencing its wonders outside of the workplace. Just because you’re abroad doesn’t mean you should revolve your world around the workplace or your struggles. Joining travel or outdoor adventure groups sets the stage for people to meet one another and form bonds of friendships.
Working together as a team is an essential component of many adventure sports. Taking part in group challenges is a great way to strengthen bonds and practice working together. Being a part of an outdoor adventure group is a great way to get in touch with nature and enjoy its serenity. Your mental health and stress levels will greatly improve if you ever join!
10. Cooking classes
You don’t have to be a master chef to enjoy cooking, but it’ll be great to join cooking classes to learn new recipes that your family will enjoy or perhaps if you’re running out of ideas for your barn for work!
Joining cooking classes will introduce you to various culinary history and dishes; you’ll enjoy the process and art of cooking and meet like-minded people who love food or cooking! Perhaps you want to pursue a lifelong dream of being a chef or baker; joining cooking classes will help you shift your career while working abroad!