Expat Tips: Take Care of Yourself

By Marie Pujanes

Do you find you’re always putting everyone else before yourself? We are often too busy making sure others have what they need that we forget to look after ourselves. However, self-care is important. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, especially in periods of transition . In these moments, it can help to put yourself first. Here are some tips to help you to start looking after yourself.

1. Eat Well

Eating well is one of the most important ways to look after yourself. In times of transition we can be so busy that we grab the quickest thing to eat, but it isn’t always the healthiest option. In order to work its best, our body needs the right nutrients. Firstly, don’t skip meals! In the mornings in particular, our body needs good food to get going and to set us up for the day. Of course, it is okay to have a treat every now and then. We cannot be too hard on ourselves!

2. Get Enough Sleep

The next thing to do is to get into a healthy sleeping pattern. We are constantly on the go, running between work and looking after the kids, and so our bodies need to be recharged. You should aim for about eight hours of sleep a night. This may take some time if you’re dealing with different time zones but if you persist, it can happen. Listen to your body! When it’s telling you it’s tired, don’t stay up late. Another thing to remember is that going to sleep early and waking up early means you can be more productive, and who doesn’t love the feeling of being productive? If you ensure that you get enough sleep each night, your body will thank you for it.

3. Exercise

Exercising daily can have many benefits, like reducing stress. And let’s not forget those endorphins released when we exercise! Exercising doesn’t have to mean taking an hour every day to go to the gym. It could be as simple as walking to work or cycling instead of driving. If you’ve just moved abroad, it can be great to get out for a work out to clear your head amid all the commotion. Some people prefer to go to the gym before work or attend a dance class in the evening. It’s really up to you to find out what work’s best with your schedule and your body!

4. Do One Thing You Enjoy Each Day

This sounds like a tough one, but it’s actually pretty simple. It’s easy to get caught up in the same old routine, so why not do one thing each day that you really enjoy? It could be watching an episode of your favorite tv show, reading a book, or taking up a new hobby (this is great if you’ve just moved to a new place). Doing something you love will lead to a happier you, and that is exactly what we want.

5. Take Some “Me” Time

There’s no harm in taking a little extra time for yourself. It may be exercising or the one thing you enjoy each day. Closing yourself off from others for a short amount of time can be really beneficial to your wellbeing. If you are an introvert, you may even need this time alone to recharge yourself. Have a hot bubble bath, try out a new yoga class, or simply sit down with a cup of coffee! This is in no way selfish and after all your hard work, you definitely deserve it!

6. Praise Yourself

Finally, self-motivation is a great way to look after yourself. At the end of a long, hard day, remind yourself that you’re doing great. Take a look at the positives of the day — maybe you had a great lunch or spoke really well in a meeting. Give yourself a pat on the back, or even reward yourself with a treat. It could be something as small as a bar of chocolate on the way home from work. You work hard and you’re doing the best you can for everyone around you, so take these tips on board and start looking after yourself.

To see the rest of this ongoing video series with our resident expat expert Lauren, visit our Facebook page. There you can share your feedback with us or even ask for advice — we may just use your question as the starting point for the next video!

About Marie Pujanes

Marie Pujanes studies European Studies in Dublin and is currently the Social Media Intern at InterNations. She is fascinated by all dogs, loves tea, and has a passion for all kinds of spicy food.

Article Topics

Friends & Relationships

Intercultural Communication

Five Hobbies and the Best Countries to Pursue Them In

Do you want to get more active or just looking for a new way to spend your leisure time? That’s no problem! We have compiled a list of easily-accessible hobbies which are bound to attract your interest, complete with the best destinations to pursue them.
The Best and Worst Countries to Make Friends

Finding friends is one of the biggest concerns for anyone considering a move abroad. While some countries offer excellent opportunities to meet new people, others leave expats feeling lonely and generally unhappier.
Top 10 Hobbies You've Never Heard Of

Are you looking for a new way to spend your free time? If you are a particularly active person, you may have tried a lot of different leisure activities. However, there are still some that are rather unusual and unknown. Here are some hobbies you probably have never heard about.
Five Secrets to a Happy Expat Life

Why is living abroad a struggle for some people, while it’s a fun-filled adventure for others? The good news is that, no matter where you’re living, you can adopt the habits shared by happy and successful expats. Start doing these five things to take your expat experience to the next level.
Is Knowing English Enough for Expats?

Moving abroad can often be overwhelming. From registration to finding accommodation, the list of administrative tasks to complete can prove difficult — even more so when it is all in a foreign language. However, in many countries it is easy to get by without knowledge of the local language.