8 Effective Ways to Help Boost Your Mental and Physical Health while Studying Abroad 

Supporting mental and physical health are crucial aspects of life, especially while studying abroad. It’s essential to maintain things that make you happy during study abroad programs to help you adjust smoothly and learn and grow in a new place. It’s difficult to balance schoolwork with traveling as well as with mental health and wellbeing, but all it takes is a few minutes to an hour a day to incorporate time for yourself to recharge. It makes all the difference and enhances your study abroad experience. 

Here are some activities that help me stay mentally and physically healthy while studying abroad in Australia. 

1. Yoga 

Yoga is an excellent way to release stress. It’s easy to do and can be done at any time of the day. I prefer to do it either when I wake up or before bed for relaxation. Sometimes I even do it as a break between classes or schoolwork. It helps me to ground myself and remain present. Yoga is something I’ve done since COVID-19 and is something I’ve continued to incorporate in my life ever since. I feel more relaxed and lead a more productive day when I practice. It doesn’t have to be long either. Sometimes 5-10 minutes is all you need.  

On the first Sunday in Sydney, I went to a yoga session with some study abroad friends under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It was early in the morning, but well worth it. It was led by an Australian instructor and with her voice and the beautiful view of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House—it was a magical experience. 

Yoga under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

2. Museums 

Museums abroad are a great place to stimulate your mind and learn new things. I find museums make me feel relaxed and tap into my curiosity. It lets my mind wander. I explored the Australian Museum in Sydney with some friends on a Saturday and spent a few hours looking at the dinosaur, bird, and Australian history exhibits. 

At the Australian Museum. 

3. The Beach 

Beaches abroad are wonderful places to visit for an escape and reset. In any season, the sea breeze always calms me down when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It puts my mind at ease and makes me realize life isn’t as complicated as we sometimes make it out to be. One of my favorite beaches I’ve visited in Australia is Mackenzie’s Bay: a small, quaint beach where there are dogs running all around.  

View from Bondi to Bronte Beach coastline walk of Mackenzie’s Bay in Sydney, NSW. 

I also love Clovelly Beach. There’s a hill you can climb up and it overlooks the water and is a great place to relax and watch the sunset. 

Tamarama Beach in Sydney. 

4. Journal

Journaling is also an excellent activity to do for your mental health and wellbeing. Like yoga, it can be done at any time and for however long you’d like. It’s a beautiful way to express yourself creatively. I’ve found journaling to be extremely helpful while studying abroad as it helps me remember all I did that day and find peace in being so far from home. 

Journaling on Tamarama Beach. 

5. Nature 

Exploring nature while studying abroad is a beautiful hobby. It can also be done in any season, though I find winter the most difficult time to explore it because of the cold. In Sydney, I love wandering to different places and going to wherever my heart desires.  

Plumeria Frangipani at Milk Beach in Sydney. 

The flowers and trees pull me in and leave me breathless. I feel calm when I’m in nature and it’s something I’d like to continue to do more often. 

My friends and I with the Plumeria Frangipani flower. 

6. Friends 

Connecting with friends and family is crucial for enjoying your time abroad. It can feel lonely at times and there’s beauty in the alone time, but we all need some social interaction. Getting together with friends to plan a day trip or even grabbing coffee can make all the difference. It boosts my mood and makes me feel happy to be around people I love. 

My friends and I at Hunter Valley on a wine tour. 

7. Reading 

Reading is another excellent way to stimulate your mind. I’m currently reading A Map to Your Soul by Jennifer Freed. My friend gifted it to me and it’s all about learning how to tap into yourself and live your most authentic life. 

Me reading A Map to Your Soul by Jennifer Freed. 

8. Exercise 

I love working out. Whether it’s running down Darling Harbour or a Pilates class in the city, participating in sports abroad boosts my energy and mood. Staying physically active in Sydney is most definitely not difficult as there are a plethora of workout spaces and classes throughout the city. Australians sure do love their physical fitness! 

This is my list of activities I have done so far in Sydney, Australia that helped boost and maintain my mental and physical health. I highly encourage you to try some of them out if you’d like, as I find them to be quite wonderful! 

KX Pilates Studio in Alexandria, Sydney.