Health is wealth. If Covid-19 and the countless lock downs, quarantines, and shortages in essential consumer goods has taught us, is that a healthy population, work force, and families are key to a healthy economy.
Not only the economy, if you are the main caregiver in your family, getting sick can not only disrupt your family and work life, but who is there to take care of you and your loved ones if you are sick are not at your best, emotionally and mentally with the added stress and duties of the pandemic?
Women are often the main caregivers and "emotional managers" at home and at work, women live longer, and sadly, our healthcare is more expensive, and often our pain and worries are not taken seriously.
If you live abroad and/or considering the expat life, moving to a new country with no support system: friends, family, colleagues, or community here are things to do to keep healthy in all aspects of your new exciting adventure.
Find Ways To Stay Physically Active
If you love aerobic classes (a place you can make friends), join a Zumba, kickboxing, pilates, yoga, or cardio class. Many cities around the world where there are expats (or few expats) have studios, private clubs, or outdoor classes where you can get your sweat on! Even in conservative countries, you can find all women studios so you can work out while keeping modest and comfortable.
If you don't like gyms, there are many online classes that you can do from the comfort of your home. YouTube has many free videos with excellent instructors, many who have their own websites and fitness programs (some paid some free).
If you don't like to work out, at the gym or at home, nature and parks are the next best steps. Many countries have public parks and trails for hiking, walking, jogging, and running. And with meetup.com and eventbrite.com, you can groups to stay physically active in nature.
Keep Emotionally Healthy
Moving to a new environment where you don't have a support system and have to start all over to make friends is emotionally challenging. Meeting new people, "feeling out" couples, groups, and communities where you will invest time and energy is emotionally draining. So be kind to yourself if it takes a few months to make friends or find your own "tribe." What you can do is join social clubs, Expat Women Facebook groups, become a member of a spiritual community, volunteer, or take on hobbies where you can meet like minded people. If you are married and your in-laws are with you or near you, create healthy boundaries while understanding the culturally in-laws play a very active role in your life, but doesn't mean you have to be a push over because you don't speak the language or are alone (please talk to your partner if you're in this situation).
Stay Mentally Healthy
One positive aspect of Covid-19 is how therapy became more available online. No longer do you have to go to a therapist office to get the help you need. In the comfort of your home, you can log-in and connect with a therapist. Now, if you're concern about privacy and people overhearing sensitive conversation you can find a quiet space or time (where people are sleeping, at school, or out of the house), to talk with someone. There is no shame in getting help.
Self-care & Wellness
It's important to take care of your beauty and wellness. Many countries outside "The West" getting beauty treatments is very affordable and accessible. So in your new home country, find a salon or spa where you can invest in your beauty and wellness. If that means getting your hair done, nails done, facial, or wax, go for it. For you to be at your best, it's important to take care of yourself. If you're not into beauty treatments, go for a message, book a weekend away at a spa or wellness retreat.
Her Expat Life has a network of beauty professionals, fitness studios, and other wellness services so our clients and members can be at their best. Explore our website to learn more!
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