Settling into a new country can be a stressful and challenging time, especially during the initial days as you try to make friends and settle the family into school and a new life. If you have just moved to Singapore and are feeling overwhelmed, keep reading to find out six ways you can manage your stress and make the most of your time here.
1. Get integrated into society
One of the quickest ways to get integrated into a new society is to understand and adapt to its cultural norms and built a community. There are a lot of associations and clubs to join. For example, you don’t need to be Australian or New Zealander to join the Australian New Zealand Association! Visit them here: ANZA. There is also the American Association and much more.
2. Stay active
Kickstart a regular exercise routine to keep your physical and mental health in top condition. While it can be challenging to stay fit on top of coping with the stresses of moving and adjusting to a new culture, keep in mind that this could be the perfect opportunity to transition to a healthier lifestyle – especially if you have been trying to do so without success in your home country.
Establish a regular routine that keeps you active for at least 150 minutes per week. Know that there’s no limit to the type of physical activity you can incorporate into your fitness routine – it could be anything you enjoy, including pilates, yoga, Zumba, rollerblading and more. You may also like to seek out sports opportunities at clubs and associations like The British Club, The American Club and German Association. Apart from getting fit, you will also have the chance to meet and befriend overseas members and locals at these clubs and associations.
3. Practise deep breathing
Incorporating simple deep breathing exercises into your daily routine can offer many health benefits, including stabilising blood pressure, slowing the heartbeat and relieving stress and anxiety. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try this deep breathing technique:
- Get into a comfortable position. You could lie on your back in bed or on the floor with a pillow propped under your head. You may also sit upright in a chair with your head, neck and shoulders supported against the back of the chair.
- Place one hand on your belly and another on your chest.
- Breathe in deeply through your nose and feel your belly rise.
- Breathe out through your nose and feel your belly lower.
- Repeat the previous steps thrice or for as long as you need to feel better.
If you need more guidance for deep breathing exercises, we recommend apps like Breathwrk and Smiling Mind.
4. Eat healthily
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” Indeed, eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to maintaining overall wellbeing and offers a long list of health benefits, including lowering the risk of diseases, boosting immunity and improving mood.
Pile up on whole, unprocessed foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. If you find it challenging to make healthier food choices, try preparing your meals in advance to stay in control of your food intake and prevent yourself from turning to convenience food.
5. See a trusted GP
Entrusting your health to a reliable family physician is a great way to help you get settled in Singapore. At Osler Health, our team of experienced and compassionate doctors are trained to assist patients with a broad range of medical conditions, including physical and mental ailments. Seeing a regular, trusted GP means that your comprehensive health history is stored in one place, allowing for more effective management and treatment of chronic illnesses. You can also save costs as there’s no need to seek costly specialist care unnecessarily – if specialist care is required, your family physician will discuss your options and recommend a trusted healthcare professional.
6. Do something you enjoy
Relieving stress and anxiety can be as simple as making time to do something you enjoy. Make it a point to engage in a relaxing activity daily – even 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference. Relaxing activities can include reading, watching TV, drawing and playing board games.
If you are experiencing mental health challenges (don’t worry feelings of anxiety or depression is common with such a big move), let our compassionate doctors at Osler Health help you. Speak to a doctor at any of our clinics in Singapore today.
