Studying abroad can be pretty fun and exciting. There are a lot of cool places to hang out, many sights to see, and the occasional parties to attend. However, with that out the way, there is also a hectic schedule, and you’ll have to find ways to navigate through your classes, complete assignments, and projects, and engage in extracurricular activities.
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The new environment and climate wouldn’t help either as you’ll need to acclimatize very quickly to everything. Wikipedia also adds that most international students struggle with language, a lack of support groups, cultural unfamiliarity, poor social self-efficacy, and separation from family and friends.
It’s important you understand that there is not a lot of time to get things done, and more often than not, your overall well-being and health could take the back seat as you seek to keep pace with everything the system has to offer.
However, your health should be your number one priority, as you wouldn’t be able to attend your classes, do your assignments and projects, and even partake in social activities if you are to fall ill. Therefore, it will be an all-round failure as you’ll almost defeat the purpose of your study program. That’s why you need to pay close attention to your health, and this article will tell you exactly how to do it.
Here are some ways to look after yourself while studying abroad.
1. Have a Good Eating Habit
Cultivating a proper eating habit is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while studying abroad. Of course, this is easier said than done as you’ll be introduced to a new range of foods and diets that you were not previously accustomed to. At this point, you’ll need to bring out your inner child and be ready to try new things.
According to the Journal of International Studies, many international students have eating problems (poor appetite or overeating). The truth is that along the way, you will eventually begin to find a couple of the dishes quite amazing, and they might be what you’ll survive on. Another alternative is to look for a local restaurant that serves the food from your home country.
It should be helpful to know that there is hardly any country today where you won’t find immigrants, and some of them are into the business of bringing you local dishes just the way you have it back home. So, with a quick tour around the block or neighborhood, you might stumble onto that African kitchen or Chinese restaurant that will be the solution to all your dietary needs.
2. Start a Fitness Routine
One popular way people undergo a relapse in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is by kicking exercise to the curb. You might think that you don’t have time to exercise as you’re busy with classes, projects, etc. Sometimes, you might be too exhausted to do it, and even though all these sound like good enough excuses, you’ll still need to exercise in order to maintain good health.
One good way to go about this is to work out in the morning. It has a way of setting up your day, and you’ll be strong and energetic to handle whatever that day has to offer. It will not be easy, but take that responsibility to get a jump start on the day while still making time for every other thing.
An excellent way to achieve this is to find a fitness companion who can help you remain on track with your workouts. Invite your friends to join you at workout sessions, and it will be more fun and enjoyable.
3. Do Not Ignore Your Mental Health
A lot of people don’t know this, but your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Studying abroad can be life-changing for many students, but it comes with many challenges that may be stressful and draining on your mental health. At some point, you’ll miss home, feel nervous, disconnected, lonely, and even unhappy at times. All these will take a toll on your mental health.
Take the opportunity to socialize, go outside and experience this new place, and meet new people to help you feel more connected. It isn’t surprising that 94% of international students stated that the experience influences their interactions with people from different cultures.
Conclusion
Maintaining your health while studying abroad can be achievable. We have highlighted some useful tips that will help you achieve this goal. You could go the extra mile by joining a club or a youth group. This could be a wonderful option as it will allow you to make new acquaintances and learn about the community.
Also, find time to call home or, better still, do a video chat to see and hear from your folks back home. It is a great way to lift your spirit, and you’ll be thankful you did.
Authors Bio
Ashley Carter is a content creator who enjoys writing engaging articles that will bring value to her readers. In addition, she is very keen on research and how it can help students become better at doing their projects. She follows this up by writing reviews on Lets Grade It to help students find the best platforms for writing services. She is an avid reader and very big on volunteering and helping out in her community.
