• Study Abroad

How Students Can Maintain Mental & Physical Wellbeing While Studying Abroad

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Apr 30,2024 05:30 PM IST

While studying abroad, there are various mental and physical health challenges that international students face. Read this blog to know about the mental issues students face while studying overseas, emotional and physical health tips for students.

How Students Can Maintain Mental & Physical Wellbeing While Studying Abroad.webp

Embarking on a study abroad adventure is like diving into a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, exhilarating experiences, and enriching academic opportunities. But beneath the surface of excitement lies a unique set of challenges that can test any student's mental and physical resilience. In today's world of global education, prioritizing holistic well-being becomes a non-negotiable priority for those embarking on international academic pursuits. 

This blog delves into insightful strategies, invaluable tips, and holistic approaches that students can utilize to nurture both their mental and physical well-being during their study abroad journey. Deep dive into the article to know about mental health issues that Indian students face while studying abroad and emotional and physical health tips for students. 

Mental Health Issues That Indian Students Face While Studying Abroad

International students face various mental health challenges while studying abroad because of academic pressures, cultural adjustments, personal expectations, and intense competition. Following are the various challenges faced by international students while studying abroad.


Stress and anxietyStress and anxiety are prevalent in the academic landscape abroad due to its highly demanding nature, causing students to experience overwhelming pressure. Striving for excellence in exams, aiming for admission to esteemed institutions, and fulfilling family expectations collectively impact the mental well-being of students. 
DepressionAcademic challenges, social isolation, homesickness, or relationship issues can lead students to exhibit signs of depression. Many times, students don’t even ask for help or seek assistance. 
Adjustment disordersGoing to a different country and adjusting to a new culture, language and educational system can be difficult. Firstly, students may struggle to make friends and feel overwhelmed, leading to emotional distress.
Performance anxietyThe apprehension of failing and the persistent necessity to meet elevated standards can lead to performance-related stress among students. This can cause students to undergo heightened concerns, self-questioning, and physical manifestations such as palpitations or stomach discomfort before exams or crucial evaluations.
BurnoutThe rigorous academic demands and the drive for exceptional performance can result in burnout, marked by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and a diminished sense of achievement. This can leave students emotionally depleted, making it challenging for them to find motivation or derive satisfaction from their studies.

Physical Health Tips for Students

Prioritizing physical health is essential for international students to survive academically and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Following are the various tips students can use to keep themselves physically healthy.
physical health tips for students.webp

Exercise dailyStudents must engage themselves in any physical activity to maintain their body's internal and external well-being. Students can run, walk, swim, jog, or participate in light cardio exercises. These activities contribute to keeping the body active and healthy."
Get regular checkupsStudents must schedule monthly check-ups on their calendars. Routine check-ups significantly lower the risks and complications associated with detecting diseases early. This practice provides peace of mind and assures them of good health for their body and mind."
Stay on a balanced diet"Providing the body with the right nutrients promotes its natural healing and rejuvenation. Embracing a plant-based dietary approach is an excellent choice for enhancing healing processes and fostering focus. It nourishes the body and supports the soul, offering an uncomplicated method for students to sustain optimal health."
Drink waterMaintaining proper hydration levels is crucial for the body. Start the day by flushing out toxins with water. Aim to consume at least 3 litres of water daily to prevent dehydration, which is linked to various health issues. Additionally, ensure to get a daily dose of vitamin D directly from the morning sun exposure.
Get enough sleepLack of adequate sleep has been linked to increased cancer risk. It's recommended to aim for a minimum of 8 hours of sleep per night. As a student, prioritizing these sufficient hours of sleep is crucial; otherwise, one may experience diminished energy and concentration, negatively affecting academic performance.

Emotional and Mental Health Tips for Students

Besides taking care of physical health, students must also take care of their mental and emotional health. There are various ways to take care of mental health while studying abroad. By following the below-mentioned tips, international students can use to keep themselves mentally and emotionally well.

Mental health tips for students.webp

Stay ActiveA mind with idle thoughts can breed negativity. Thus, it's essential for students to engage in activities like physical exercise, reading, drawing, painting, etc., to keep their minds occupied and away from negative thoughts. Alternatively, students can nurture their mental state and emotions by focusing on positive affirmations.
Have a daily routineEngaging in regular practice fosters a pragmatic lifestyle and diminishes stress and anxiety. With various thoughts to manage, disorganization can result in disorder. Students can start by incrementally organizing their daily routine, aiming for gradual improvements on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. These strategies can serve as beneficial health advice for students amidst their exams.
Find recreational activitiesEngaging in recreational pursuits has the potential to elevate endorphin and serotonin levels. Students can allocate moments in their daily routine to step away and immerse themselves in nature through activities like walking, hiking, camping, or anything that brings them joy. A highly effective approach involves reconnecting with passions and carving out additional time for hobbies. 
Stay connected to loved onesAmong the recommended health suggestions for students during exam periods, reaching out to friends and family is crucial due to the stress experienced during this academic phase. Distance from home can significantly impact mental well-being, so it's important not to suppress emotions. Communicating with loved ones can offer a release by allowing students to express and share their feelings, easing the burden of emotions.
Ask for helpIf students experience feelings of isolation or emotional distress while studying abroad, it's crucial to seek support. Students must understand that they are not alone; there are numerous fellow students sharing similar experiences, offering an opportunity to connect and foster a supportive community. Universities typically provide assistance and resources specifically designed for international students adjusting to college life.


Conclusion


Many international students want to pursue their higher studies abroad after 12th. While this could be a life-changing experience, there are various things which can lead to health struggles for students studying abroad,  like alcohol, drugs and study stress. To cope with all of these, students must follow some tips to keep themselves mentally and physically healthy. This article discussed various measures international students can take to deal with mental and physical illness. Students can connect with Canam to learn more tips for studying abroad. 

FAQ

While studying abroad, students have to adapt to a new culture, new norms, and new language, which can make students overwhelmed and affect their mental health.
An international student faces Various challenges while studying abroad, including homesickness, language barriers, adapting to a new class schedule and more.
Students can use some measures like doing yoga and walking to improve their mental health.
International students can use various tips to keep themselves physically healthy, such as exercising daily, staying on a balanced diet, drinking water, getting sunlight and getting plenty of sleep.
Students can keep in touch with their loved ones by using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, making new friends and exploring the local culture to deal with homesickness.

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