Maintaining Physical and Mental Health During a Summer Study Abroad Program in London, England
Dalaika Lebrun is a CEA CAPA Alumni Insider who studied abroad in London, England, during Summer 2024. Read on for our interview with Dalaika about how she stayed mentally and physically healthy during her time abroad.
How did you prepare, before leaving for your program, to stay mentally and physically healthy while abroad?
Before leaving for my program, I created a wellness plan. Studying abroad meant lots of socializing and feeling pressured to be out all of the time. In my plan, I came up with ways I would recharge when I felt burnout mentally. I wrote down to physically move my body at least three times a week to stay active.
Are there any parks or outdoor areas you particularly recommend students visit in London to stay healthy and active?
I highly recommend Holland Park in London. I loved going there for my runs in the morning. There are lots of puppies to give you that serotonin boost and a great running path. There are lots of areas to explore within the park, including a coffee shop and a garden area. During my running breaks, I like to sit on the benches and watch people walk by. It was a great way to clear my head and take some time away to myself.
The front entrance to Holland Park
Did you keep an exercise routine while studying abroad? If so, what did it look like?
Yes, I created an exercise routine around my class schedule. On the days I had classes in the afternoon, I went on a morning run. I registered for a ClassPass free trial so I was able to get two weeks to try out exercise classes. I often did yoga in the evenings with my flatmates and Pilates classes on the weekends.
My roommates and I at FORM yoga. We signed up for a free trial with ClassPass and were able to go to fitness classes in the evenings.
Do you have any recommendations for spots in London where students can buy fresh, healthy food?
I highly recommend Joe & the Juice in London for fresh and healthy food. My favorite foods are the avocado toast and the JOEs Green Mile signature juice. A quick way I was able to get some quick healthy foods was the small local shops near my flat. They have fresh fruits and veggies. And if you’re looking to have a big, healthy meal, Granger & Co have healthy options. They have different locations, but I went to the one in Chelsea often.
The entrance to Joe and The Juice
The Granger and Co restaurant lobby in Chelsea, London
What are your top three quick tips for maintaining good health while studying abroad in London?
My go-to quick tips for maintaining good health while studying abroad are:
Keep an exercise routine
Stay hydrated and try to indulge in healthy eating options
Get enough sleep!
Please share any other advice you have for students considering studying abroad in London (or anywhere else!).
Studying abroad is an amazing experience and It’s a good time to explore and be independent. Be open to learning about the culture; a place like London is full of many people from all over the world and the culture is different throughout. It’s okay to rest and not do anything sometimes while abroad. Don’t feel pressured to be out all of the time. Your mental health matters! Regarding personal safety, share your location with your roommates and always let someone know where you’re going. Create a plan of what you will do if you start to feel down. Stay active and walk around as much as you can. Most importantly, have fun and cherish it.