Staying Balanced while Abroad

Studying abroad is by far one of the most amazing experiences of my life thus far. I grew in ways I didn't know possible, but I also was challenged in ways I never knew possible. If I'm being honest, one of the biggest challenges for me at first was finding a way to balance my wellness while still being open to the new culture I was surrounded by. It's not unheard of to study abroad and ditch the healthy habits because you are on "vacation," and there is something to be said about enjoying the finer things in life while overseas. But I knew that if I did not maintain normalcy while trying to live for four months in a foreign country, I would never have been able to fully enjoy my time abroad. I was bound and determined to maintain my fitness and health, despite living in a French city and living in a high rise. I found ways to do so and I'm here to share with you some of my favorite strategies in combatting the feeling of losing control while you're abroad. I promise you if you take care of yourself and continue to put your health first, your time spent overseas will be far more enjoyable than if you let yourself go.

Tip #1: When you can, walk!

I found a love for walking when I was in France. It became one of my favorite forms of exercise. Whenever I had the opportunity I skipped the metro and walked to class, or took the stairs instead of the elevator. Little decisions like these add up. Not to mention all the beautiful places you may never stumble upon if you never venture off of the metro or bus routes. I know I would never have seen half the things I did if I didn't walk as much as I did during my time abroad.

Tip #2: Find the farmers markets!

In France, les marchés (markets) are extremely common. Where I lived there was a fresh foods market every Saturday. I was given a meal stipend each month from my university, and instead of eating at l'Université Restaurant (the French universities' equivalent to a dining hall) I shopped for my food every Saturday, meal prepped every Sunday, and voila! I was eating fresh foods every day. 

Now before you get too worried- YES I DID enjoy the local crêpes, pain au chocolat, croissants, and other local specialties. But these were treats. I didn't eat them every day, but I didn't deprive myself of them either. 

Simply what it comes down to is balance your indulgences! Eat the good stuff 80% of the time, eat the great stuff the rest of the time. 

Tip #3: At home workouts! Do strength/core/yoga in your bedroom. I promise there's room!

When it came to strength in France, I struggled at first. They don't have gyms like we do here in the US, and because of that I had myself convinced I couldn't maintain my strength while abroad. I was WRONG guys. I discovered that all you need is a folded towel or blanket (to pad your back), a 5 x 5 ft. space next to your bed, and most importantly a positive mindset and will to get it done. I did my BBG circuits all the while I was abroad, using random kitchen appliances,  water bottles of varying weights, gourds from the market, and coffee tables as my gym equipment. Was it super glamorous? NOPE. But it sure as heck got the job done! I came home in much better shape than when I left!

Tip #4: Offer to cook!

I lived with a host mother who was extremely gracious. She picked up on the fact that I loved being in the kitchen, and I was always offering to help with dinner. It got to the point where I was offering to make dinner regularly, and not only did this give me a chance to create recipes and stay in touch with one of my passions while living abroad, but it also allowed me to decide what we were going to eat! I shared many dishes my mom always made for me as a child, and my host mom loved coming home from work not having to cook dinner. It was a win win and a great opportunity to make sure there was a meal from time to time that I loved!

Tip #5: Be creative!

You don't have to do the same thing every day- that's a recipe to deteriorate your motivation. Sign up for a running race on a whim, visit the local pool, bike around the local park, go for a hike. I tried to change up my routine so I didn't get bored, and I never did! 

So in conclusion, there is not a single excuse that is worthy of your energy. Where there is a will there is a way. Health is a universal concept, something that is important for every human being no matter where they live. You may maintain balance differently when you're abroad than when you're at home, but there's no saying you can't. 

​xoxo