How do you manage stress and your mental health as an international student?

My main go-to for balancing stress is fitness — regular workouts and staying active help me clear my mind and maintain my energy. At CQU, the lovely and supportive staff have also played a big role in helping students, including me, navigate challenges and stay positive.

I’m also part of the Mind Wave Connector program, where I help fellow students overcome their mental health struggles, which in turn strengthens my own coping skills and resilience. In addition, the frequent campus events keep me socially engaged and connected with a diverse group of people, creating a strong sense of community.

By combining physical activity, supportive networks, student engagement, and giving back to others, I’m able to maintain a healthy balance and manage my mental wellbeing effectively.

Being stressed is a normal thing especially around exam weeks, so there's multiple ways to cope. For me i'd usually hang out more with my friends or study together with them, like it doesn't really help the stress but it helps knowing we're suffering equally as each other XD. Being in yamanashi too there's a lot of places where you can just chill out as it's a very scenic and peaceful prefecture, such as park benches scattered around kofu city, or even temples and shrines.

As an international student in Japan, I've learned that balancing studies and life is the key for managing stress. I follow a strict schedule during every semester in order to stay organized, but I've also learned not to be too hard on myself when things don't go as planned. I've found peace in knowing I can always ask for help, be it from friends, professors, or the counseling services at iCLA. The strong community here gives me reassurance and a sense of belonging. Activities, conversations, and self-care moments all remind me that mental health thrives on balance, connection, and kindness to oneself.

When I feel stressed, pressured, or homesick, I find comfort in attending church, which always gives me strength and peace. I recently joined a worship group here in the city which I can let out all my fears and stress away.

I also enjoy exploring the city, trying new food, or simply taking a walk to clear my mind. Spending time with friends and keeping in touch with my family back home keeps me grounded. Recently, I even bought a karaoke set singing my heart out has become one of the happiest ways I cope and just enjoy the moment.

Moving abroad for university definitely came with challenges, and I’ve had to learn different ways to cope with stress. One of my main strategies has been building routines that give me balance. For example, I make time for exercise, cooking, and journaling. These activities help me step away from academic pressure and reconnect with myself!

Another important resource for me has been friends. Having a supportive circle of people I can talk to has been one of the most effective ways to manage stress.

I’ve also made use of university resources like the student counseling services. Even just a few sessions helped me gain new perspectives!

Overall, I try to take care of my mental health by combining personal routines, social support, and professional resources. It’s not about eliminating stress completely, but about learning to manage it in ways that keep me grounded and able to focus on my goals.