- Don’t be afraid to explore
- When in doubt, add another layer
- WARM SOCKS, wear them
- Wear what you feel comfortable in, they’re going to stare anyway
- Download podcasts before you leave for a trip
- Podcasts will make living alone feel less lonely
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- I’m not good at this, but I’m working on it
- Make notes of your mental health—ask for help here too if you need it
- Make sure you have a support system in country and at home
- Don’t be afraid to share when you’re struggling
- I wrote a piece about my mental health journey during my time in Ukraine that highlights a lot of this
- Ask for good pens in care packages
- Forgive your at home friends if they don’t reach out or it seems like they’re forgetting about you