How I Prioritize My Health While Studying Abroad in Prague
Studying abroad in Prague has been one of the busiest and most spontaneous times of my life. I am also having some of the most fun and trying to take advantage of every opportunity. But focusing on the limited time and trying to fit everything I want to do into my four months here can be draining. Between classes and schoolwork, traveling, and hanging out with new friends, I need to make a conscious effort to still prioritize my mental and physical health.
Here are some of my tips and ways I’ve focused on prioritizing health.
Remember what worked for you at home.
Coming to a new country, being surrounded by new people, and learning a new language can be overwhelming. When I first arrived, I felt like I got caught up in all the newness and felt disconnected from myself. When I realized I felt pretty worn out after the first few weeks, I knew I had to have some normalcy. At home, I love to read or take walks to de-stress. So, I made sure to build time into my schedule to do these things. Some of my friends have joined gyms or go on daily walks. These activities that you typically do to de-stress or stay active may look a little different while abroad but having that sense of routine and normalcy is so important!
Explore parks and green spaces!
Prague has been rated one of the greenest cities in Europe! You can’t go more than a few blocks without passing a park. There are so many beautiful parks to discover and being in nature can be a great way to disconnect from the hectic study abroad lifestyle of balancing travel and class and more. I love the peace that walking through different parks gives me and it's also prime people watching too! Personally, I love Letna Park, Stromovka Park, the Palace Gardens, Prague Botanical Gardens and many more! It is a great way to discover the city you live in— Prague or anywhere else—and keep getting your exercise in!
This is one of the lovely parks near my apartment! Especially at the beginning of spring, it's so gorgeous and peaceful!
Get yourself little treats every week!
I like to try a new chocolate bar each week when I go grocery shopping so I can have a little pick-me-up ready throughout the week if I need it! My roommates and I will compare notes when we try a good one. We also like to try new dessert places, bakeries, and coffee shops. Even getting some flowers or a plant for your apartment can be such a fun pick-me-up. Getting yourself a little sweet treat or warm drink is also great when you’ve had a long day or week!
Here are me and my friends trying chimney cakes for the first time– we know they’re not traditional but they smell so delicious, it's hard to resist!
Choose to walk when you can!
Prague is one of the most walkable cities I’ve ever been to. It also has excellent public transportation. I’ve gotten so used to getting on the tram at the stop outside my door that I sometimes forget how nice it can be to walk—and how possible it is in a city like Prague! CEA CAPA did a great job of placing us in apartments conveniently close to our classes. That means that it is totally reasonable to walk to class! And Prague does most of the work for you by making sure you get a workout in with all the hills and stairs. The walk into the historic Old Town from my apartment is about 30 minutes, which is around the same as some of my longest walks to class at my home university! I love to walk to class because I get active and moving but also get to see more of my home for these four months!
Here is a beautiful church I stumbled upon when I walked home from class the other day instead of taking the tram. I was so happy I did it!
Plan your meals ahead of time!
Another way I’ve tried to stay healthy is by planning balanced, healthy meals for each week before I go to the grocery shop. Knowing I can come home from a day of class and have the ingredients ready for me to make dinner is a huge weight off my shoulders. If I’m able I also try to do a little bit of meal prepping too to make dinner as convenient as possible. After a long day of class and schoolwork the prospect of having to think of what to do for dinner can be exhausting, so it is key to plan for meals to make sure you’re properly fueling your body.
My roommates and I decided to make homemade pierogi one night! It was so delicious and comforting and cooking together was so fun!
Rest and relaxation are just as important when you’re abroad!
Since the time here goes so quickly, you can feel pressure to constantly move and do something. After classes, travel, and early morning wake ups, it can get pretty exhausting being here! Early on, I felt pressure to fill every second of my time and constantly explore, but that isn’t realistic. It’s okay to take days off and find some normalcy in this busy semester. Make sure to build on weekends or days when you can just relax and take a break from classes and travel.
My friend and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and found a playground on our walk in the park. It was so fun to relax and act like a kid again!
Overall, studying abroad is so much fun and such an adventure, but it is easy to get swept up in it all and forget to prioritize your health. I hope these tips and my experiences will be helpful in remembering what is most important. Staying healthy both mentally and physically is what will allow you to have the best possible experience.
