OSHCstudents-Packing your bags and flying off to a foreign country to start a new life can be quite stressful at times. Leaving all the homely comforts behind can often make you feel homesick. Adjusting to a new culture where the language is a major barrier can be very difficult for everyone who is living abroad. The anxiety and stress of relocating can take a huge toll on your mental health and overall well-being. Here are 5 useful tips that will assist you in maintaining your mental health when you decide to move to an expat destination of your choice.
Read more:
- What should you do to start a healthy habit in Australia?
- What is the best way to stay healthy in Australia?
1. Find Balance between Work and Life
If you are moving to a new place because of a job assignment, you may end up spending a lot of time working on your projects. The limited social and family life can leave you burnt out. Meeting your employer’s expectations and constantly trying to prove yourself can leave you thoroughly drained both physically and mentally.
2. Give Yourself Sufficient Time To Adjust
Adapting to living overseas should be a gradual process. Don’t push yourself too much when you are in the process of adjusting to a new environment. Maneuvering around a completely new place will take some time. Things will be very different from what you were used to back home. Don’t be overwhelmed by the three Cs – culture surprise, culture stress, and culture shock. Residing abroad as an expat is not like enjoying a long vacation. It can be very taxing mentally as you endeavor to overcome various obstacles.
3. Socialize and Build a Strong Network
Once you reach your desired expat destination, it is important to embrace its culture and customs sooner than later. Get started by making new friends in your neighborhood or office. Connecting with fellow expats who have successfully adapted to an expatriate lifestyle will boost your confidence to face all the odds. They may even offer you the much-needed comfort and encouragement when you feel down and dusted emotionally. Join various social groups to build a strong network. Having people to talk to during your lonely days is vital for maintaining mental health. Familiar faces and voices can make you feel at home even in a faraway land.
4. Exercising May Help
It is commonly known that exercise can be helpful for your mental health both at home and abroad. Reports state that regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. You may find it difficult to find the time to exercise, but you will feel better if you do.
5. Set Realistic Goals
Set goals that are realistic because overpromising and under-delivering can be very stressful. Meeting your employer’s expectations may be your priority, but don’t overextend yourself to achieve unexpected goals. It is always better to approach tasks and responsibilities methodically and cautiously. Don’t expect to settle down immediately when you live overseas – it will take time, so enjoy the process.
If you are international students, foreigners arriving to Australia, or Australian citizens traveling abroad looking for OSHC, OVHC, travel insurance, please contact OSHCstudents Team at email: info@oshcstudents.com and our partners for further information and assistance.
OSHCstudents
