The Need for Healthy Habits 

Studying abroad presents a world of new opportunities for students like us. From getting to know a new country to making progress on the host language, to simply expanding your perspective, the experience abroad is just as busy as it is exciting—it certainly has been for me. Because of that, a few weeks after arriving in Buenos Aires, I began to occasionally feel like I was stretching my time in countless different directions and subsequently sacrificing certain things. So, there came a point when I recognized that I needed to make more intentional decisions about how to organize my time.  

I think about the things I spend time on in terms of three categories: first, there are responsibilities like my CEA CAPA classes and homework; then, there’s the fun stuff which includes checking out new parts of the city and hanging out with friends; and thirdly, my own time for personal maintenance, so to speak, which includes cooking, exercise, and self-care activities. What often happened in the first month of studying abroad was that the activities in the third category were the first to be dropped, since I needed to finish my responsibilities and I really wanted to do the fun things.  

As I mentioned though, I began to realize that self-care was foundational and needed to be prioritized in order for me to give the other two categories all the energy that I wanted to give them. In this blog, I’ll discuss how I’ve been going about diet, exercise, and mental health to keep myself healthy throughout the study abroad experience. 

Diet & Exercise 

One of the building blocks for health is, of course, diet, which can certainly be an adjustment in a whole new country with different foods and eating habits. I am vegetarian so I was a bit apprehensive about how that might work out in Buenos Aires as Argentina is known for loving meat. However, I have been thoroughly impressed by how accommodating the culture is, not only to the vegetarian diet but also to the vegan and gluten-free ones. Restaurants and cafés where I go to eat almost always have several options for me, usually grouped in a section of the menu so I can quickly identify them, and if not, menu items will be marked with little icons showing which dietary need they are suitable for. Many restaurants and cafés also specialize in healthy foods; some have varieties of meal options while others can be found offering versions of traditional Argentinian cuisine modified for dietary needs.  

When I don’t have time to cook, natural food restaurants make it easy to still eat well. 

Another thing that I was surprised by in Buenos Aires is the number of health food stores; these stores (often chains with dozens of locations) offer grocery items for people with all sorts of dietary needs/preferences. Fresh vegetable and fruit shops (called verdulerías or fruterías) can also be found everywhere, are very affordable, and serve as reminders to eat a balanced diet. All that, combined with the regular ingredients I get at grocery stores, has allowed me to regularly cook myself meals that give me the perfect fuel for my busy days. 

There are many vegan and gluten-free bakeries. 

There are many vegan and gluten-free bakeries. 

Then there is physical activity or exercise. From the very beginning of my time in Buenos Aires, I’ve been walking a great deal more than I typically do in the US, simply because of the nature of using public transportation and wanting to explore—which has all been awesome. However, while walking is a great way to stay active, combined with the stress and excitement of the constant new experiences every day, I did begin to feel a little strain on my body in the form of soreness and stiffness and decided that I needed to commit to an exercise routine.  

Exploring the city on foot has been a regular activity since I’ve been in Buenos Aires. 

The benefits of some sort of consistent physical activity are endless, but especially while abroad, exercise (yoga, for me) helps me start or end each day feeling good and find a rhythm to my weeks in general. I prefer doing exercise in my apartment (with a yoga mat I bought here) but there are also many gyms, as well as parks everywhere in the city where one can find exercise stations and see people doing runs throughout the day. In essence, Buenos Aires is a city that makes it extremely easy to stay active and find a healthy routine. 

Mental Health 

Last but not least is the importance of caring for one’s mental health during a study abroad experience. As most people know, this aspect can be difficult to manage even at home, so being in a new country adds another layer of external forces and subtle emotions. For me, the first couple of weeks were indeed a little difficult; the culture shock was there a bit, but it was the homesickness that got intense on certain days since this was my first time living in a different city than my family. Even if one doesn’t experience culture shock or homesickness, though, and depending on how much cultural immersion one commits to, studying abroad is still essentially an acclimation to a new place and reality.  

Each person has their own way of handling this process but my first piece of advice is to make a comfortable, safe space to come back to (most likely your room at your homestay or apartment) so that you can always just sit with yourself in a calm environment whenever you need to think. Calling friends and family can also always be a huge help to just lay out your experiences and thoughts. Then, I’d also recommend making a list of what small things usually help you recenter or take your mind off the serious things; for me, they include going to the theater to watch a movie, reading at a coffee shop, and, ever since I’ve been in Buenos Aires, drinking mate (a sort of tea drink with a rich tradition here) in the mornings. 

 The unique serenity of drinking mate at sunrise. 

Ultimately, there are going to be days that are harder than others and that is normal and okay. Throughout the experience abroad, though, it’s important to remind yourself why you’re excited to be having this life-changing experience—and to prioritize taking care of yourself so you can face each day with energy, ready to absorb all the wonderful moments and memories that come your way. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 for free, confidential support. Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support. 

Additional Tips for Maintaining Mental Health in Buenos Aires: 

• Be Kind to Yourself: Remember, you're adapting to a lot! It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or tired at times.  
• Embrace the Feels: Homesickness and sadness are natural responses to leaving loved ones behind. These feelings will lessen as you adjust.  
• Talk It Out: Share your feelings with a trusted friend or confidante. Their support can be invaluable.  
• Embrace the New: Be open to experiencing new things and ways of doing things in Buenos Aires.  
• Set Realistic Goals: Celebrate small victories as you navigate your new environment.  
• Practice the Language: Even speaking a few words a day goes a long way in connecting with the culture and locals.  
• Find Your Community: Explore hobbies, sports, or volunteer opportunities to meet new people who share your interests.  
• Self-Care is Key: Prioritize a healthy sleep schedule, nutritious meals, and regular exercise.  
• Stress Relief Techniques: Yoga or meditation can be a fantastic way to manage stress and promote relaxation.  
• Believe in Yourself: You are a strong, capable individual with more resources than you think!  

Remember, CEA CAPA is here for you! We have a wealth of resources available to help you thrive during your time in Buenos Aires. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance. Together, we can ensure you have a positive and enriching study abroad experience.