How to Stay Healthy (Physically and Mentally) While Abroad
By Danielle Collins ‘20
When you go abroad, you’ll start to hear all the usual jokes about the “Abroad 15.” And to be honest, you might put on a pound or two. I mean, let’s face it, there’s a whole world of new foods to try. But that doesn’t mean you should completely let yourself go. Here are some tips to stay healthy, physically and mentally, while abroad.
Physically
- Create an exercise routine: Try to stick to an exercise routine somewhat similar to whatever you do when you’re at USC or at home. You’ll obviously need to be more flexible while abroad, but having a routine is the best way to ensure you get some real exercise in while abroad.
- Find a gym, track, park…whatever you need: Again, find something that allows you to exercise like you normally would. For me, that was joining a gym below my apartment complex that offers classes similar to those in the US (granted, all taught in Spanish).
- Don’t eat out ALL the time: There is so much food to try abroad. And you should try it! But keep in mind, you are abroad for about four months, so you shouldn’t be eating out everyday— it’s bad for your health and your wallet.
- Homestay: If you have a homestay, talk to your family about the kind of meals you want. They should be very accommodating (my family is!) and will prepare healthy meals and buy healthy foods if you ask them to.
- Apartment: If you’re living in an apartment (or a dorm with a kitchen), make healthy choices about what you’re cooking. Since you’ll probably be eating out relatively frequently, you want to balance it out with some healthy meals at home.
- Learn how to make healthy choices when eating out: Just because you’re eating out a lot, doesn’t mean you have to get dessert every time. Or that you have to order the most buttery, fried thing on the menu. I promise there are healthy choices while eating out abroad, you just have to look for them!
- Disclaimer: This doesn’t mean you have turn down all unhealthy foods while abroad. You should try new things! (Trust me, I have eaten more than my fair share of churros here in Madrid). It’s all about finding a balance.
- Find activities to do with friends other than eating: Instead of going out to eat a whole meal or get dessert, try going out for coffee or a drink. Or, better yet, meet at a park and go for a walk! Or a museum, bookstore, landmark, etc…eating food isn’t the only way to socialize!
- Walk as much as possible: Madrid has great public transit, so it’s very easy to hop on a bus or the Metro to take me where I want to go. But, especially during warmer parts of the semester, try to walk wherever you can! It’s a great way to stay active, and get to know your city better.
Mentally
- Allow yourself time to relax: You’re abroad, the world is at your fingertips, you have a never-ending bucket list, there’s so much to do and explore. Those feelings can become overwhelming very quickly. Set aside time every week to relax: read a book, watch some Netflix, go for a walk. Whatever you normally do to relax, keep it up while you’re abroad.
- Stay on top of your work: All of my classes here in Madrid are Pass/No Pass, so it can be easy to procrastinate on homework, essays, studying, etc. But all that does is add more stress to your abroad life. If you have weekend trips planned, be sure to get your work done beforehand— don’t save it all for the night you get back! (Take it from someone whose bus home was stuck in traffic for HOURS and had a big presentation the next day…you only make that mistake once!)
- Keep in touch with your friends and family from home: While time differences and schedules can make it hard to set up calls, be sure to put in the effort. You’ll make great friends abroad, but there’s nothing like the support system you already have at home. I talk to my mom every single day, and try to talk to my friends at least once a week. Texting and social media are great, but set aside the time for FaceTime or call sessions.
- Exercise: (see above) For me, exercise is a big part of feeling mentally healthy. I might dread my alarm going off, but I know I’ll feel better later in the day if I went to the gym in the morning.
Being abroad is an amazing experience, and you should enjoy it as much as possible! Staying physically and mentally healthy will make your abroad experience so much more enjoyable. Remember, being abroad isn’t a vacation (though it often feels like it)– it’s your living situation for four months. Take care of yourself, and have a great time!
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