Taking Time for Self-Care

Ciao! It has been six weeks since the beginning of my program “Pitt in Florence” and it has been the experience of a lifetime. This program offers six weeks, two 3-credit courses, and consists of 120 undergraduate students from around the United States. Six weeks ago, I moved to Florence, Italy without knowing anyone in the program, in the city of Florence, or honestly what to expect from this experience itself. While this experience has been overall one-of-a-kind, there were obstacles I had to overcome throughout my six weeks. Along the way, I had many ups and many downs, downs that ranged from missing my family, friends, and overall familiarity of a place to mental exhaustion. This has been my first trip to Europe, and first trip traveling internationally. While I anticipated some bumps in the road when it came to traveling, I never anticipated the largest challenge was mental exhaustion. There are two ways to look at six weeks, either there is only six weeks left or there are still six weeks- two very, very different perspectives. I had decided on the former perspective of the two. After the first three weeks, I found myself at a mental burnout. While I was enjoying my time constantly taking in new experiences, and constantly on the go, I did not give myself time to settle or utilize any form of self care. Florence is filled with incredible food, an exciting atmosphere, with beautiful, historical art and architecture that is so fascinating I felt the need to see it all… as fast as possible. However, with this drive for constant mental stimulation, meant at the beginning of the fourth week I felt that I was neglecting my own needs. The last three weeks I continued to enjoy all Florence has to offer, but I was exceptionally more thoughtful of my needs. I missed some nights with roommates to enjoy an evening alone, I hiked and ran in the mornings instead of sleeping in, I cooked for myself rather than constantly eating out, and with these little adjustments I regained my strength. Everyone faces their own challenges with this of a large adjustment, the key is to make your own individual experience at any pace needed. When taking part in great changes, such as studying abroad, it is important to check in on yourself and take care of your needs. My time in Florence was and is an experience of a lifetime, an experience that is personal, and unique to everyone.