Welcome to our latest blog in our series, “Balancing Life as an Au Pair in America”. This blog will share some tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle as an au pair.
The start of a new year often brings with it the motivation to set goals and prioritise wellness. For au pairs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be both exciting and challenging as you balance caring for children, living in a new country, and finding time for yourself. A healthy lifestyle more than just physical fitness; it’s about achieving balance in all areas of your life while making the most of your time as an au pair.
Whether you are just starting your journey or are looking to change your routine, here are a few ideas on how you can focus on wellness.
Prioritising Your Health
Health is about more than just going the gym or eating salads; it’s a combination of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. As an au pair, your role involves caring for others, but taking care of you is just as important. When you feel your best, you are better equipped to provide support to your host family’s children.
Adjusting to a New Environment
Moving to a new country comes with lots of exciting opportunities—and a few challenges. From different weather to unfamiliar foods, adjusting to a new environment can affect your routine.
We recommend making time to explore your new surroundings. Look for local parks where you can walk or run, community centres that offer fitness classes, or grocery stores with fresh and affordable options. Adapting to your host family’s habits and preferences while adding your own can create a balanced living experience.
Physical Wellness: Nutrition and Exercise for a Healthy Lifestyle
Nutrition:
Eating well is an essential part of feeling good, and it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the joy of food. Focus on creating balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. It’s also important to allow yourself treats! Enjoying your favourite snacks and trying local specialties is a meaningful part of experiencing a new culture. Finding a balance between nutritious meals and occasional treats makes maintaining a healthy lifestyle more enjoyable and sustainable.
Exercise:
Staying active doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Incorporate movement into your daily life by walking, playing with the children, or exploring the outdoors. Activities like hiking, biking, or joining a fitness class are not only great for your body but also a fun way to experience your new community.
Mental and Emotional Wellness
Being far from home can sometimes feel overwhelming, but taking care of your mental and emotional health can help you manage these challenges. Some people may benefit from journalling, however we find the most important thing is to find something that works for you.
Staying connected with loved ones back home is also important. Regular video calls can help, while building new friendships provides a sense of belonging in your host country.
Remember, your community counsellor and host family are there to support you. Please reach out if you need help managing stress or adjusting to your new environment.
Social Connections
Social connections play an important role in your overall well-being. The Au Pair in America program offers opportunities to meet other au pairs through cluster meetings, making it easy to find a supportive group of friends who understand your experiences.
Volunteering in your local area, joining clubs, or attending cultural events can also help you connect with new people and immerse yourself in your host community.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle as an au pair is all about finding balance and taking care of yourself while navigating your responsibilities and experiences. By prioritising your health in all forms, you’ll feel more energised and fulfilled during your time as an Au Pair in America.
Remember, treating yourself and being kind to yourself are just as important as sticking to healthy habits. This balance will make your wellness journey both enjoyable and sustainable.
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