7 amazing stress management tips for international students | Try now!

First, give yourself a pat on the back for hopping on to this life-changing ride. Moving out of the country to study is a big deal. And if you’re feeling stressed, you are not alone. It is common for international students to feel this way while trying to adjust to a new environment. But not to worry, as we bring you some great tips for stress management. Before moving to the types of stress and stress management techniques, let’s understand what stress actually means.

What does stress mean? 

Stress is a way in which your body or brain react to anything that needs attention. This reaction can be psychological, physical, or emotional. Almost everyone deals with some kind of stress due to things like job pressure, family issues, illness, studies, etc. 

Remember, not all stress is harmful, but you need to be careful about your triggers. You can deal with stress in a healthier manner with the help of some simple stress management techniques. 

What kinds of stress do international students face?

Moving abroad can be overwhelming and international students get stuck while figuring out how to manage so many things at once. Consequently, stress management sometimes goes for a toss resulting in some of these triggers-

1. Academic stress

Every country follows its set curriculum and has a different teaching style. There is a lot of education stress on students as they might find it difficult to adjust to the new academic environment and course structures. But once you get accustomed to the new study styles, things definitely gets better.

2. Culture shock

Different countries have varied cultures. You cannot expect not to get affected by their norms. Moreover, meeting new people, unlearning, and learning the way of life can be stressful. Do not ignore the possibility of this happening in a new country.

3. Homesickness

When you move away from your loved ones and step into an unfamiliar environment, you might feel that you don’t belong there. It is quite normal for international students to feel lonely or demotivated while studying abroad. 

4. Financial and work stress

Besides focusing on your academics, you have the added burden of a taking up a part-time job to sustain yourself. Moreover, you need to overcome language barriers, do household chores, manage your finances, etc. The string of responsibilities suddenly falling on your shoulders might make you feel a bit stressed.

These are some of the common stress-related issues you might face while studying abroad. If you are trying to figure out how to manage stress, look no further. Here are some amazing stress management techniques. 

Stress management tips 

Follow these stress management techniques to make sure you don’t feel overwhelmed while studying abroad. 

1. Prepare well in advance

Give yourself enough time to get ready for all the changes you will go through while moving abroad. If you are wondering how to do it, the only answer is to prepare in advance. It is one of the crucial steps to stress management.

Research about the country you are moving to, the course you are taking up, the university you will be going to, etc. Know if you need to learn the local language of the country, and do it before departing. This will save you from the culture shock you might otherwise face while stepping into a new country.

2. Stay in touch!

It is great to meet new people and make new friends, but don’t forget to be in touch with your loved ones. In fact, living in a digital world, keeping in touch with your people has become much easier.

Try and schedule regular calls with your people as this communication can comfort you while you are away in a foreign country. Also, it will not make you feel left out in your family, and you would never feel that you are missing out on important things. 

3. Say no to “all work, no rest”

The idea of stress management can fall apart if you forget to take some time off from the hustle and bustle. You need to create and follow a self-care ritual for yourself.

While work can be an ongoing process, you should always take a day or two off in a month just for your self-care ritual. Now, it can differ for people, so choose what self-care routine works best for you and stick with it. 

Learn when you need rest and set those boundaries to take a break from everything. Remember, you can achieve anything and everything with a healthy body and mind. 

4. Dive into networking

Having a network of people will help you pave through unfamiliar territories. Look for some group activities that you can be a part of. You can volunteer, follow your hobbies with other people, or find other activities that you like doing. This way, you will be able to enjoy the life you are building in a new country while working hard for your dreams. 

Cherish the new experiences and don’t be afraid to make new friends. You can also use some social networking apps to find a group of like-minded students. Your social tribe can make all the difference while you are away from your family.

5. Get those running shoes on!

Exercise, play, or dance your heart out; it is important to get moving. Exercising might work as a stress reliever for you and make you feel better, as it releases dopamine- the happiness hormone. 

Now, you don’t have to hit the gym and crush it if you don’t want to. You can find what you love, even if it means something as simple as running. It can work effectively for you by helping you with stress management.

Besides this, eating healthy and sleeping well are two crucial rules that you must follow. Have a proper mix of solids and fluids in your meal. Try and cook at home as much as possible instead of relying on outside food. 

6. Journal your journey 

Find ways to express yourself and if you cannot find any, then write it down. Journaling might help you let go of the negative and give you clarity about where you are heading. It is a great way to vent out what you are feeling, and it might be as therapeutic for you as it is for some people. It might also help you with the much-needed motivation while studying abroad.

You can also indulge in other creative art forms, like painting, theatre, etc., to be expressive. Besides this, you always have an option to talk it all out. Let others know what you are feeling, and reach out for help if need be. 

7. Plan a trip

Studying abroad throws various opportunities at you to travel and explore new places. Grab those opportunities and plan a fun trip. Make a list of places you would want to visit while you are studying abroad. This way, you will always have something to look forward to. You will be able to explore different cultures, learn new things, and keep your stress at bay. 

Stress management-What’s next?

We hope we could help you figure out how to manage stress as an international student.

Moving abroad for studies has never been easy; there is surely some education stress on students. But, it can be one of the most beautiful experiences of your life. You gain a lot by learning different things and being independent. So, do not fret about studying abroad; just know there are effective ways for stress management.

And if you are intrigued about studying abroad after reading this blog, reach out to us. We will answer all your study abroad queries and help you for making this dream a reality.