Every year, several students leave their home country to study overseas in pursuit of quality education. However, staying fit is essential to have a fulfilling experience. So, let's understand why it is important to stay healthy and how to maintain your overall health while studying abroad.

Key Highlights

• Importance of staying fit and healthy
• Tips to stay healthy abroad

ü  Be physically active - Some exercises to stay healthy

ü  Eat healthy 

ü  Stay hydrated

ü  Get enough sleep

ü  Relieve stress

ü  Be prepared for the study abroad journey 

ü  Take short study breaks

ü  Express and socialise

ü  Plan your schedule

ü  Plan monthly budget

Importance of staying fit and healthy

A healthy lifestyle boosts immunity, supports brain development and digestive health, improves eyesight, strengthens bones and reduces stress. Staying fit and healthy is the key to leading a happy and disease-free life.

Tips to stay physically and mentally healthy abroad

Be physically active - Some exercises to stay healthy

As per World Health Organisation (WHO), regular physical activity helps in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases such as stroke and diabetes. It has positive effects on the body and mind. Thus, indulge in a moderate-intensity workout for a minimum of 20-30 minutes daily. Some of the best exercises for students are walking, cycling, swimming and playing any sport.

Eat healthy: Eating a nutritious diet is vital to stay in the pink of health. Thus, eat healthy meals a minimum of three or four times a day comprising leafy greens, fresh and seasonable fruits, tofu, lentils, foodgrains, cereals and nuts regularly. Avoid unhealthy food items such as fried food, refined carbs, and sugary snacks, as these food items are low in nutrition and high in calories.

Stay hydrated: As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking an adequate quantity of water every day is important for maintaining a normal body temperature, lubricating joints, protecting the spinal cord and getting rid of toxins. Therefore, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Keep your health in check by avoiding or limiting the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas or energy drinks.

Get enough sleep: Regular sleep deprivation will weaken your immunity and mental sharpness. It will result in increased stress and anger. Thus, getting a good night's sleep of a minimum of seven to eight hours every day is essential. Fix a sleep schedule to go to bed and get up at the same time every day, and follow it religiously.  

Relieve stress: Rigorous coursework can be stressful. So, de-stress yourself in such situations by picking up your favourite hobby like dancing or cooking your favourite meal in your free time. You can even practice mindfulness by doing yoga or meditation for 15-20 minutes every day.

Be prepared for the study abroad journey: Settling down in a new country and environment, and soaking into the new culture are some situations that can be challenging. So, prepare yourself in advance to handle the situation. You can familiarise yourself with the new destination's customs, people and culture. Having prior knowledge about these factors will give you the confidence to adjust easily and enrich your experience.

Take short study breaks: Taking short breaks of 5 minutes to one hour helps refresh the brain and body by increasing energy, productivity and concentration levels. Therefore, take short study breaks from your hectic study schedule to feel energised. Taking a break from studies does not imply increasing screen time. Reduce sitting and screen time and find new ways to refresh yourself instead.

Express and socialise: Speaking your heart out and spending time with friends are the two ways to rejuvenate your mind. Thus, at any point, if you feel low, share your feelings by talking to your family members, friends, and peers over a phone or a video call. You can even talk to student bodies at universities and express your thoughts and fears to feel better. Socialising with local people, joining clubs and expanding your social network will help combat homesickness.

Plan your schedule: Make a routine for the entire day by fixing a time for studying, eating healthy meals, exercising, socialising and getting enough rest and a good night's sleep, and stick to it. Do it on a priority basis, as building a routine and following it leads to good health.

Plan monthly budget: Studying abroad is an expensive proposition. Hence, manage your finances well by planning and sticking to a monthly budget. The monthly budget ensures judicious spending and reduces your money-related worries to a great extent.

If you are planning to study abroad but facing financial constraints, Avanse Financial Services is there to help you. We offer hyper-personalised loans for students with quick sanctions. So, get in touch with us to know more about an education loan rate of interest, features and benefits.