Featured Article: Adjusting To A New Life In Norway

During the past year, Canadian Francesca McKenzie has moved to Norway and Kongsberg, started her own company, started school and left friends and loved ones. Then she went on a mental spree.

“I'm sharing this because I've been told it seems like I've got everything sorted, when in fact it's been the complete opposite. It may look like people are happy and well-functioning, yet they are fighting the toughest battle of their lives."

Two weeks ago, Francesca McKenzie posted a post on Instagram where she opened up about how she had been feeling lately.

Moving from Toronto in Canada, a big city with 2.5 million inhabitants, to little Kongsberg was a big transition for the 38-year-old. That she should struggle as much with the transition as she did surprised her.

- I wouldn't say I hit rock bottom, because there are many out there who have it worse than me, but it was definitely the worst period of my life.

The zest for life disappeared

It was love that brought McKenzie to Kongsberg. She met her current husband by chance when they were both on holiday in Croatia, and after a four-year long-distance relationship, last year she took the step to move to Kongsberg.

The first year in a new country has been characterized by both ups and downs, but the downs have been deep.

- It is difficult to adapt to a completely new country and life as a 38-year-old. I had to put away part of what I have learned and adapt again. Acquiring a new network in adulthood is not easy, and it was also important for me to learn the language. I was in the middle of starting my new business as a personal trainer, it was a hectic period with many changes.

McKenzie began to sleep less, change her eating habits and became depressed. As a former athlete, she always got energy from working out, now she no longer found joy in it.

It became harder to focus.

Despite 15 years of experience as a personal trainer and coach, it was difficult to realize what was happening in my own body and mind.

- It required a lot of reflection to realize what was about to happen. I had to take a step back and look at myself from the outside to make wise decisions for myself and my life.

Took action

To get out of it, McKenzie took some measures. She took a break from social media, started meditating, traveling and journaling.

- I started to focus on myself and what made me happy. I've been in the fitness and wellness industry long enough to know methods for dealing with such personal crises, but that doesn't mean I'm immune to them. When I was at my worst it was hard to realize that I already knew what I should do.

It hasn't been more than a couple of months since she started feeling like her old self again.

Betting on own company

Now she is ready with renewed vigor to start her Norwegian life with Norwegian courses and new company "Fitfxtraining". Here she combines her expertise as a personal trainer and kinesiology with an online program.

The dream is to create a health and wellness center with a focus on training, rehabilitation and well-being, both physical and mental health.

- The two areas are so closely related, and openness is important to me. I share my experiences to help others, because I myself have felt the frustration and hopelessness.