Are you a teacher who has decided to take the plunge and teach overseas? Congratulations! It’s an incredible experience that can open up a world of learning for both you and your students. It’s also important to make sure that you take care of your own well-being throughout the journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven tips that you can use to maintain your well-being while teaching overseas. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re able to make the most of your experience and stay healthy and happy while abroad.
1) Get Plenty of Rest
When you’re teaching overseas, it can be easy to forget how important it is to get plenty of rest. Not getting enough sleep can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, which can impact your ability to teach effectively. It’s essential to make sure you’re getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule and avoid staying up late. If possible, go to bed and wake up at the same time each day so that your body and mind have time to rest and recuperate. Be sure to limit your caffeine intake as well, since this can cause restlessness and prevent you from falling asleep.
Taking regular naps throughout the day can also help if you’re feeling especially tired. Try to schedule in some downtime during the day, such as taking a walk or reading a book. This can help your body and mind relax and can help you get the rest you need.
2) Eat a Balanced Diet
When you're teaching overseas, it can be easy to let your diet slip. With unfamiliar ingredients and a change in culture, you may be tempted to eat out more often and abandon your normal healthy eating routine. However, this isn't the best approach for maintaining your well-being. Eating a balanced diet is an important part of staying healthy and energized while living and teaching abroad.
First, make sure you're consuming enough nutrients. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to get all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs. Eating protein-rich foods such as beans, nuts, eggs, and lean meats will help give you energy throughout the day. You may also want to include dairy or calcium-fortified foods in your diet if they aren't readily available where you live.
Second, watch your portion sizes. Overeating can lead to fatigue and a lack of energy, so make sure you're not overindulging at mealtimes. Instead, focus on eating healthy snacks throughout the day to keep your energy levels up. If you don't have access to healthy snacks, try keeping dried fruit and nuts handy for when you need a quick snack.
Third, take advantage of local ingredients. Local produce often contains more nutrients than what you can find in supermarkets back home. Plus, eating local food can be a great way to explore the culture of where you live and teach! Try visiting local markets or farm stands and ask questions about ingredients and recipes.
Finally, make sure you're drinking enough water. Water helps flush out toxins from your body, keeps you hydrated, and helps with digestion. If water gets boring, try adding some fresh fruit or herbs for flavor.
Eating a balanced diet is an essential part of maintaining your well-being while teaching overseas. Making small changes to your diet and focusing on eating healthy snacks can help you stay energized and ready for the day!
3) Exercise Regularly
If you’re teaching overseas, it’s important to make time to exercise regularly. Exercise can help keep your mind and body healthy and improve your overall well-being. It can also reduce stress and help manage anxiety. Consider joining a local gym or fitness class if you’re looking for a structured way to stay active. If you don’t have access to a gym or can’t afford a membership, look into activities like yoga, running, or dancing that you can do on your own. Additionally, many cities have free outdoor activities such as bike rides, hikes, and more. Take advantage of these opportunities and enjoy the outdoors while getting in some much-needed exercise.
4) Take Time for Yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life when teaching overseas. You may be feeling overwhelmed or drained, and it’s important to take time for yourself every day. Self-care is vital for mental, physical, and emotional health, so be sure to find time to relax and recharge. Here are a few ideas to help you prioritize self-care while teaching overseas:
• Schedule time for yourself each day. Dedicate at least 15 minutes of each day to do something that makes you happy. This could be going for a walk, reading a book, writing in a journal, listening to music, or any other activity that brings you joy.
• Make time to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgement. Taking even five minutes each day to practice mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Take a break from technology. We are constantly bombarded with notifications from our phones and laptops, so try disconnecting from technology for at least a few hours each day.
• Get outside. Connecting with nature is a great way to clear your mind and relax. Take a walk in a park or go for a hike in the countryside – whatever helps you feel most relaxed.
• Pamper yourself. Treat yourself to something special like a massage or a facial – or just make some time for a hot bath!
By taking time for yourself each day, you can maintain your well-being while teaching overseas. It’s important to prioritize your own mental, physical, and emotional health, so take advantage of the opportunity to relax and recharge!
5) Stay Connected With Friends and Family
Teaching overseas can be an amazing experience, but it can also leave you feeling disconnected from friends and family back home. It’s important to make an effort to stay connected with the people you care about, no matter where in the world you are.
The easiest way to stay connected with friends and family is through technology. Video chat services like Skype and FaceTime can help you feel connected, even when you’re far away. It can also be helpful to set up a shared photo album or calendar so everyone can stay up to date on the goings-on in your life.
If you’re feeling particularly disconnected from friends and family, consider reaching out to other expats living in your area. Chances are there are other teachers who are in a similar situation, and making connections with them can be a great way to find support and make new friends. If there aren’t any expat groups in your area, consider joining an online expat community for support and friendship.
Keeping in touch with friends and family is a great way to maintain your emotional wellbeing while teaching overseas. Take advantage of the technology available to you, and make an effort to stay connected. You won’t regret it!
6) Seek Out Support When Needed
Teaching overseas can be both an exciting and challenging experience. While it’s important to take on the challenge and to enjoy the adventure, it’s also important to recognize when you need additional support.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or isolated, seek out sources of support. Reach out to colleagues, family, and friends. Ask for help if you need it. Also, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide an objective perspective on your situation and offer effective strategies for dealing with any issues.
Also, be sure to take advantage of any resources available to you through your school or host country. Most places have mental health services and support groups that can provide invaluable guidance during difficult times.
Finally, remember that it’s OK to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance when you need it. By doing so, you will be able to better manage your well-being while teaching overseas and ensure that you enjoy all the opportunities the experience has to offer.
7) Have Fun and Explore!
One of the best parts about teaching overseas is being able to experience the culture of a new place. Make sure you take the time to get out and explore the city or town you are living in. Take advantage of any nearby attractions, festivals, or landmarks that you can find. Going out with friends and having fun is a great way to make lasting memories and to enjoy yourself while teaching overseas. Taking time to get to know the area, its people, and its culture will help you feel more connected to your new home. Even if you are only living in a place for a short period of time, be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that it provides. It can also be helpful to keep a journal or take pictures as a way to remember your experiences. Exploring a new place can be both rewarding and fun, so make sure to have some fun and explore your new surroundings!