To make the most of your expat project, it is very important to stay healthy in your host country. Depending on where you are settling, there are different health risks to consider and preventive measures to take. For example, in Ghana, you should beware of malaria and in the UK of colds and the seasonal flu. However, we have composed a universal guide to good personal health. So stop procrastinating your new healthy routine and enjoy your expatriation while you are in the best of health.
Balance your diet
One of the most obvious changes that happen when moving to a new country is dietary. As a curious and open-minded expat you will want to try all local dishes as soon as possible, but before indulging in the regional culinary scene, we recommend you listen to your body. If you change your diet erratically, it's very likely that you will gain or lose weight suddenly, which can lead to a series of health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, malnutrition, etc. Instead, take your time to explore the nearby groceries' options, and make it a priority to organise your kitchen so you can start preparing homemade food as opposed to ordering in for dinner. Not only will you save inches from your waist but money too!
Undertake regular exercise
Emotional stress, in the form of frustration, social withdrawal, and sleep deprivation, very often accompanies expatriation projects, especially when they involve the whole family or high-rank positions. You have to be motivated, perform at your best at work, balance personal, family, and work life — all while adapting to a different culture, climate, work ethics. Even the coffee at work doesn't taste the same, and you have to get used to it. During these vulnerable times, you are prone to picking up some not so healthy habits. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to an hour of physical activity, which is proven to help your body release happy chemicals in your brain. You can work at the gym, at home, or outdoors, alone or with a new buddy. Knowing our networking values, it's unnecessary to say that we are fond of the latter.
Obtain an international health insurance
In the unfortunate event of sickness or an accident, private healthcare may be your best bet in many countries due to an inefficient or unpredictable public healthcare system. However, the option of private healthcare is costly, and for many a luxury. To avoid the headache of high bills, organise international health insurance for you and your dependents well in advance, after you have completed thorough research on the policy and the coverage. Ideally, international health insurance should cover both regular check-ups and advanced treatments.
Understand your new environment
Before arriving at your new destination, we recommend you to learn more about the environment and the healthcare system in your host country. What is the type of climate and the altitude? What are the most common diseases and what is the life expectancy? Is it safe to drink the tap water? If you have a pre-existing condition, it is wise to bring with you a supply of the medicines you take, enough for the first couple of months — until you familiarise yourself with the local pharmacies and medicine. Doctors often say that prevention is better than cure. Get advise from the travel clinic in your home country, and do the necessary vaccines on time, if you are moving to a country where you are exposed to diseases such as yellow fever, rabies, polio, hepatitis, etc. Symptoms that back home you may take lightly, learn to pay attention to in your new country until you feel confident with the risks involved.
Don't forget your mental health
Last but not least, your mental well-being. There are several ways to help your mental health stay good throughout your expat life — a balanced lifestyle and a support network are just some of them. In the early days of your expatriation, you may experience a severe culture shock, loneliness, or both. However, experts suggest that active social life can help us overcome emotional instability. Visit expat forums and join local groups where you can meet people who are going through or have gone through the same experience. Organise fun activities together, such as day-trips and sports events, and spend time sharing your thoughts and feelings about your new country. If you are abroad with your family, be alert and learn to recognise flaws in your children's and spouse's mental health — how do they perform at school? Have they made new friends? Is your spouse preoccupied with stuff while you aren't together?
What about you? Are you a healthy expat? What helped you stay healthy in your host country? Share your tips with us in the comments section below.
