Maintain Mental & Physical Wellbeing while Studying Abroad

Studying abroad fruits a lot of adventure and learning to the student life. Exploring places, learning about new cultures and adapting new hobbies cultivate academic as well as personal growth. At the same time, it raises a set of challenges to face all by oneself. It is all fun and games till the loneliness sets in or when you simply cannot fit in. The pursuit of embarking on global education starts going colourless by the day. If you feel the same, know that we understand. And for that, we have some insights and tips to help you grow out of it.

Studying abroad could be a rewarding experience. It should be about embracing the changes to find yourself. In order to do that, it’s crucial to maintain your mental and physical well-being.

Validate, Celebrate and Communicate

It is completely normal to feel homesick and anxious when living abroad. Often, we try to discard our feelings by not acknowledging them. Instead, we find ways to distract or involve ourselves in different things. While that does help keep the mind occupied, it isn’t enough to make the heart feel lighter. The first step to resolve your issues is to validate them. Validate your bad days and celebrate your good ones. It isn’t an easy thing – what you are doing. And you should give yourself more credit. Set small goals and celebrate each of them. In contrast to popular belief, happiness can be created. Take yourself on a solo date. Maybe, treat yourself with a dessert. Let it all in. So you can let it out.

Letting it out

The most common advice is to stay connected with your loved ones. And rightfully, so. When you are thousands of miles away, talking to your family and friends makes you feel grounded. A sense of security sets in. Talk it out with the ones who might relate to it. While they cannot make you feel any better, outer validation helps. The feeling of knowing that someone understands? It’s quite reassuring that it shall pass. Furthermore, talk with your new friends. You will be surprised to see how many of them feel the same as you do. Our feelings are what makes us human over anything else. Besides, it would be a great bonding experience for you. If you are not a people’s people, start journaling.

Connect to Your Body

Our body is connected. Our mental stress can lead to physical exhaustion or vice versa. But there is a happy take to it too! Healthy ventilation like drawing, exercising or writing is a great way of letting negativity flow through you. You can engage yourself in the physical activity in and around your uni campus. It would not only help maintain the external well-being of your body but would impact your mental well-being too. You could swim, play a sport, join a yoga club, hit the gym or simply jog. Moreover, it would be a nice place to connect with like-minded individuals, wouldn’t it not? Conversations are always easier when two people have things in common.

Stay on a Balanced Diet

It wouldn’t give you the satisfaction of your home-cooked meal. Factually, nothing can. But if you can cook, you can always bring back those fond memories with your parents’ recipe. International students have a busy life. Running from one lecture to another, heading to that part-time job. Food is often missed or ill-timed. It is likely that your university has a nutritionist or a primary care doctor. Draw an eating schedule and stick to it. It doesn’t have to be a 3-course meal. You can always carry fruits, dried fruits or homemade snacks with you to munch between lectures. However, do yourself a favour and avoid eating packaged and ready-to-make food as much as you can. Oh, and stay hydrated.

Get Enough Sleep

Prioritise your sleep. Study says that an average adult should sleep 7 or more hours at night. How you stay awake depends highly on how you sleep. Partying and wandering around may seem tempting. We won’t deny its fun quotient. After all, it is a part of the experience. But do manage to schedule your poor sleep in your already-packed routine.

Friend. Unfriend.

You will meet a lot of people. Instead of devoting your energy to one-ended friendships and interests, learn to respect their boundaries and establish yours. Not everybody will match your vibe or even understand it. And that’s okay. Take notes, learn from your mistakes and move on. Like we said, you will meet a lot of people. College is a great place to make life-long connections and networks. You will meet all sorts of people, from varied lands. Invest yourself where it is an investment. Indulge in their friendship and bond where you see it strengthening. Additionally, it opens the opportunity to learn about new traditions, languages and beliefs.

Immerse Yourself in the New Culture

A new city has a lot to offer. New people, new thoughts, new food. Be one to the experience and embrace the culture around you. Most study destinations have a lot of Indian students. Hence, a lot of attraction for an Indian mind. During the weekend, explore the locals, read about them and interact with them. As you start to embrace the new life, it will begin to embrace you. On longer breaks, you can also explore cities new to you. The best thing about being a student in a foreign land is discounts. Students get discounts on buses, trains, restaurants, exhibitions and so much more.

Don’t Go Too Far

Don’t let it go too far, child. Seek help when you start noticing symptoms of depression and severe anxiety. Universities often have a mental health specialist to help students through their issues. Consider talking to them before things go too far. And remember, your feelings are important.

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