How 7 Volunteers care for their mental health during service

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you’re far away from the familiar things and people that are your go-to types of support. With the additional challenge of learning how to live and work in a new environment, life as a Volunteer is not always easy. Persevering through the hard parts with flexibility and adaptability is key to surviving and thriving as a Volunteer. But when the going gets tough, we all need those special practices and activities that provide extra support for our mental health. Here are insights from 7 Volunteers about the ways they care for themselves while abroad.

1. Dani M. (Costa Rica)

During Peace Corps service, I feel that it is extremely important to find time for yourself and take care of your mental health. I try to pick an activity daily that allows me to have alone time to recharge my social battery. These activities include yoga, reading, and taking walks. This allows me time to call family and friends back home, to share with them my experience and teach them about Costa Rica.

2. Nicholas S. (Guyana)

I find a lot of joy in baking. I bake different treats, such as cinnamon rolls and peanut butter cookies. I also try to pick up other skills. Currently, I am taking online courses on integral calculus and learning Spanish through a popular language app. When I’m trying to unwind for the day, I like to read or watch TV.

3. Kayla K. (Thailand)

I spent a lot of time biking in my first community. Being surrounded by the beautiful mountains of northern Thailand I had views wherever I went and riding through the rice fields never failed to pull me out of a tough day. When it was too hot to bike, I read, lay in front of my fan, and napped with my cat, Popcorn.

4. Andrew L. (Morocco)

I play guitar and drums with my friends, and have also picked up the gimbri, which is a Moroccan spiritual instrument. I also visit friends and family for tea and dinners. Sometimes, I go hiking in the mountains and make Instagram videos with my friends. Additionally, I have self-care nights where I drink Japanese green tea, listen to music, and relax with candles.

5. Rebeca C. (Cameroon)

Once a week, I dedicate a day to staying at home, allowing myself to rest and recharge. It's a time when I deliberately avoid social interactions and recharge my energy for the week ahead. I engage in activities that nourish me—reading, writing, dancing, and cooking. By disconnecting from electronics and focusing solely on my well-being, I reconnect with myself and foster a sense of inner peace.

Additionally, at least once a month, I visit fellow Peace Corps Volunteers who are an essential support system for me; being in their company rejuvenates my spirit. We indulge in activities that bring us joy, sharing activities we liked doing back home, whether it's celebrating holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's together, or simply enjoying movie nights with popcorn.

6. Ryan L. (Peru)

Playing guitar and riding my bike are hobbies that I really enjoyed in the U.S., and it’s been great to continue my passions here by biking with a local group and teaching a guitar class in the summer.

I also have friends who live in town or in another town close by, and we like to cook together, ride bikes, or hang out and talk. It’s nice having friends close by because they help me connect more personally with locals, and we can talk about more personal stuff in our lives.

7. Maria D. (Philippines)

It’s essential that I stay connected to the things that ground me—my creativity, my hobbies, and the natural world. During my free time, I love to play my ukulele, practice yoga on my balcony, get lost in a good book, visit the beach, or explore the nearby mountains. These activities help me reset and recharge. Prioritizing mental health and self-care allows me to show up fully in both my work and community. When I make space for the things that calm and inspire me, I’m able to bring my best self to everything I do.

Read more about how to prepare yourself for the challenges of service.

Ready to rejuvenate your spirit while supporting a community abroad? Connect with a recruiter to start your journey!