Mental Health Tips: Students planning to study abroad

Posted October 25, 2021

Summary: Studying abroad can be a draining experience that puts a lot of pressure on the mind causing mental stress (health). Listed below are five mental health tips for students who are studying abroad.

Many students have returned to their schools and begun living in foreign countries as the international education industry begins to recover from the pandemic. Slowly but steadily, the pace of their international student experience is returning to normal.

The pandemic completely altered the procedures, processes, and deadlines international students faced during the application and in-person classes due to the outbreak. During Covid-19, the effects of homesickness, transitional stress, and the regular stress associated with the school were all noticeable.

Thus, there is an urgent need for students studying abroad to take good care of their health and well-being in the current societal climate.

The following are some helpful tips to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your mental health while studying abroad:

Mindfulness & Meditation

It is inherently necessary for students to practice meditation and mindfulness to protect their mental health and finish the semester successfully. Maintaining one’s composure in the face of intense work pressure and tight deadlines can be a difficult task.

Was it ever brought to your attention that mindfulness and meditation can aid in the reduction of stress and anxiety? Students who have a clear mind can better concentrate and produce more throughout the day, which helps them deal with the many tedious tasks that come with being a student.

Begin keeping a Journal.

Journaling is a widely recommended and long-standing practice that can clear and quiet the mind when overstimulation. Writing down one’s innermost thoughts and feelings can help reduce anxiety, pent-up emotions, and frustrated feelings.

The fundamental principle underlying the practice is that allowing a person’s thoughts and emotions to surface relieves the pressure on the mind and body. Students can use journaling to help them work through their frustrations and anxieties.

Engage in regular exercise.

Make regular movement and exercise a priority. The positive impact that daily exercise has on one’s mental health is an often overlooked benefit of physical activity. Physical activity can significantly affect your mood because it helps shake off negative emotions and boost your energy levels.

It’s not necessary to make things difficult for yourself! It’s okay to spend thirty minutes a day doing something physical that you enjoy, like yoga, jogging, biking, or walking.

Build a local resource network.

Choosing to study abroad is a truly courageous decision to make in one’s life. Students are packing up their belongings and leaving everything they know behind. Making connections with people in their new community and developing a long-term support system is essential for improving mental well-being.

There are so many destination countries and local communities that are genuine in their hospitality. Schools also have many clubs to choose from, with many of them catering specifically to international students.

Seek Assistance.

Students should also seek support outside of their peer group from professors, mentors, and co-workers at part-time jobs in addition to their peers. The community can help to improve mental health from the start.

When students feel misunderstood or overwhelmed, they commonly seek assistance, especially in a stressful environment. Deciding to seek aid is the first and, in many ways, most important step on the road to recovery.

There are also numerous digital resources available on the internet to assist you in your mental health journey. Applications like Calm and Headspace aim to help people improve their mindfulness and sense of grounding. These resources can significantly improve your mental health by introducing new daily rituals that you can incorporate into your existing routine.

Conclusion

Students must prioritize their mental health and take steps to maintain optimal mental health. Students must utilize all college and university services to cope with the pandemic’s stress and unique challenges. Our five mental health tips should help you gain confidence and mentally prepare for your amazing career abroad in 2022.