Learning English abroad is an exciting, fresh and new experience. It can also be tiring as you are putting your brain through new exercises every day. That just sounds exhausting, right? As with any new routine, it’s important to look after yourself so you can get the most out of it while still feeling your best. Below, we have some tips to help you study successfully and stay healthy.
1. Remember to take breaks
Among the pressure for exams, the timetables, numerous activities and new classes, it’s important to remember to take a time-out. This can be something as simple as a 5-minute walk outside in the fresh air, maybe a phone call to family or a friend back home, or sit with a nice, hot cup of tea or coffee for a few minutes. These little breaks can make the world of difference to help you re-focus and not feel overwhelmed.
2. Make time to socialise
One of the best ways to remember the English you’re learning, is to practise. Your classroom is full of new students, just like you, looking to make friends in their new city. So why not join some of them on activities and excursions organised by your EC school, such as city walks, visits to local museums or excursions to local attractions or neighbouring cities. This social break away from studying will do you the world of good, and you’ll be practising your English in a relaxed and natural way.
3. Enjoy some quality alone time
It’s also important to enjoy some quality time alone, and how you do that is entirely up to you. Maybe you have a show on Netflix that you’ve wanted to watch, or a book to read; maybe you’ll just hang out on the couch and daydream. You’ll be guaranteed to feel better when you do this regularly though, and when you feel better, you study better.
4. Get enough sleep
With all the activities going on at the school and with your new friends, it’s easy to start cutting time from your sleep so you don’t miss out on anything. However, this will eventually have an impact on you and your tiredness will take over. A late night here and there is fine, but on average, 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night is what we need to be at our best. Your mood, your energy and your productivity will all benefit from it. We offer a variety of convenient and quality accommodation options for all our EC students to help simplify your search for your home abroad.
5. Eat well and exercise
A well-balanced diet that’s high in nutrients is a key ingredient in how you feel and function. Plenty of fresh vegetables, proteins and fruits are your best friends here. A smoothie can be a delicious way to add these to your diet, and in the evenings, allow yourself time to cook and eat a full meal. Drink plenty of water, 8 glasses per day is the common recommendation, and ease up on the caffeine a little. Try also to get some regular exercise in whatever form you like, be it walking to and from school, trying out a dance or yoga class or going for a run.
Taking time to use these 5 tips will have you feeling better and studying more efficiently in no time. It’s important to take care of our physical and mental health so we can be at our best, feel our best and perform at our best. If you follow these tips, you’ll be crushing your English classes. Stayed tuned for part 2!
Are you planning to study English abroad? EC offers English courses in a variety of tempting destinations around the world.
