Ways to Avoid Getting Stressed When Traveling Abroad to Volunteer
It is a noble idea to go abroad and be a volunteer. You are not paid for what you are doing, but it teaches you lots of life lessons. Besides, you are also building up a good resume when it includes an overseas volunteer job. You can also discover new things while you are abroad. You can find the beauty in other peoples cultures and traditions.
Although it is a good idea to be a volunteer abroad, the problem is that it could also stress you out. Being away from your family for the first time and seeing the depressing conditions of many people is not easy. These tips will help you appreciate your volunteer job and not get depressed.
Give yourself a break
You need to manage your schedule well when you are volunteering. It is a good thing to be dedicated with your job. Since you are already giving your time for others, you might as well give it your all. However, you also need to give yourself a break. You have to find time when you are away from everything around you. It is a new environment and it is the least comfortable of all. You need some time so that you can have a break and enjoy yourself.
Speak with fellow volunteers
You really need someone who understands you and will be there to listen to you. The best person to do it is someone who also shares the same experience- your fellow volunteer. It is not easy for you to keep your feelings to yourself. You need someone who is available to speak with you and prevent you from falling into depressing. You might also want to do some activities outside your volunteer job with your fellow volunteer.
Always connect with people back home
Take some time to speak with the people you love back home. They will keep you grounded. They will cheer you up. They will make you remember that where you are now is only temporary. When you are tired or when you are done with your job, you still have them back home waiting for your return. They will also motivate you to not give up when you are already on the verge of doing it.
Do something you love
If you love watching movies or listening to music, you can do all of them while you are abroad. You can allot time during your break. You can also move around the country to discover new places and interact with people outside the community you serve. As long as the place is safe or you have someone guiding you, it is okay. You can also find places where you can eat exciting dishes or meals that remind you of home. If you cant, you can cook a meal that you know how to do.
You are doing something great for others. Just make sure it does not make you feel sad and weary.
Photo Attribution:
Featured and 1st image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm30XQM_0e0
2nd image from https://www.volunteerhq.org/ca/