Building Resilience and Self-Care as an International Student

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Mental Health >> Building Resilience and Self-Care as an International Student

Building Resilience and Self-Care as an International Student

Adjusting to life and study in a new country can be challenging. Academic pressure, financial stress, cultural differences, and being far from familiar support networks can affect wellbeing. Building resilience does not mean avoiding stress, but learning healthy ways to manage it.

Understanding Mental Health and Resilience

In some cultures, talking openly about stress or mental health is uncommon, which can make seeking help feel uncomfortable. In Australia, mental health is recognised as an important part of overall health. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength and an important part of resilience.

Practical Self-Care Strategies for Daily Life

Using mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga to manage stress.
Maintaining a daily routine that includes sleep, exercise, and balanced meals.
Limiting unhelpful habits such as excessive social media or doom scrolling.
Making time for social connection and activities that support wellbeing.

Tools and Apps to Stay Organised and Balanced

Digital tools can support organisation, focus, and wellbeing. Planning tools help break study tasks into manageable steps, while wellbeing apps support nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and rest.

Organisation & Study Planning

Google Calendar – Free. Schedule assessments, exams, and daily tasks.
Trello – Free (premium available). Visual task and project management.
Notion – Free (premium available). Notes, tasks, and study organisation.
Focus Friend – Free (pro available). Gamified focus timer for accountability.
Pomoroom – Free. Pomodoro-based group focus sessions.
Flocus – Free (premium available). Focus timers with ambient sound.

Diet & Nutrition

MyFitnessPal – Free (premium available). Tracks meals, exercise, and energy.
FoodSwitch – Free. Scan products for healthier food alternatives.
Yummly – Free (premium available). Recipes and meal planning.

Exercise & Fitness

Fitbit – Free (premium available). Tracks activity, sleep, and fitness.
Nike Training Club – Free. Workouts including strength, yoga, and mobility.
Sweat – Free (premium available). Guided workout programs.

Meditation, Yoga & Mindfulness

Headspace – Free (premium available). Guided meditation and sleep support.
Calm – Free (premium available). Meditation, breathing, and sleep stories.
Smiling Mind – Free. Australian-developed mindfulness programs.
Insight Timer – Free (premium available). Large library of guided meditations.
Yoga Studio by Glo – Free (premium available). Yoga and meditation classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Resilience

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Academic pressure

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