Written by Mikey Aston, University of Connecticut | ISI Florence Fall 2025
In an entirely new environment where studying and navigating travel are equally important, one must not neglect looking inward to consider how we can use our time to nourish the soul. While this can sound like an ideology more applicable to a monk than a student, there are definite habits we can adopt while abroad, inspired by this mindset.
In a society where we’re conditioned to be “on the go”, we can forget the importance of some time to ourselves. This manifests differently from person to person, but one thing’s for certain: this is a time for self-discovery.
It can be easy to neglect setting aside purposeful time for ourselves. This long-term thinking towards a happier, well-adjusted version of ourselves can feel trivial or even selfish. One of the most exciting parts about being in the city of Florence is the emphasis on “slow living”—a philosophy best described through a series of moments: a slow walk or passeggiata; a stroll and chat called lo struscio; an intentional coffee every morning while sitting down and chatting with a friend. (Note: I’ve even come across a few restaurants that have signs stating that phones should be off while eating!). While this feels a bit extreme, it’s to encourage mindfulness and socialization. While in an unfamiliar environment, it’s important to maintain wellness habits that support our physical, emotional, social, and mental health.
Slow Living, a Social Conditioning, or a Birthright?
I’ve touched on some Italian hobbies, like a slow walk and intentional time for coffee and chat, but at what point does this become a philosophy? One of the best parts of studying abroad is the ability to shape your daily routine to better fit your new environment. The Italian proverb “Chi va piano va sano e va lontano” means “He who goes slowly goes safely and far”. This traditional saying teaches that slow and steady wins the race. It emphasizes patience and balance rather than the needless stress that comes with rushing through life like we are used to. One way we can apply this philosophy to our daily lives is by blocking out specific times in our day to be intentionally mindful, enjoying the present moment, and being in touch with our thoughts.
Over time, this can become a pleasant second nature, part of your daily routine. One hobby that encourages this that I find rewarding is journaling. Online, you can find a plethora of prompts to inspire you as to what you can write about. The way I journal is by sitting down and writing down everything that comes to mind. This is becoming hyper-aware of your thoughts, and eventually it can become a meditative state that’s quite enjoyable because you’re viewing each thought without judgment. Sketching your environment in a journal can also train your mind to be a bit more observant, taking in the beauty that’s always around us in Florence. Calling family and friends, and exploring social environments like clubs or coffee shops, are necessities that can’t be understated and can help eliminate the perceived isolation that we can find ourselves in while away.
The greatest benefit comes from combining these habits into a routine that works for you. Whether the habits are mindful movement in yoga, healthy eating, meditation, or simply keeping the slow living philosophy in mind, they will improve your day-to-day. Think about the routine you might’ve gotten bored with at home. I find myself missing odd, mundane things about my home city, like walking alone in the fog or going for a drive. Connect applicable habits to your time here. For example, if you always study in a bookstore or library, this is a great excuse to find a bookstore here! My favorite is called Todo Modo, a bookstore that doubles as a café in the Santa Maria Novella district, on Via dei Fossi 14/r.
Spa Reset, a Much-Needed Break
During the highly enjoyable October break, ISI students receive from October 17th to 26th, many students decide to take this time to travel across Europe. To save funds and prioritize my rest, I chose to stay in Florence. While FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) can hit hard and fast, I do not regret this decision. I found it really fulfilling to wake up on my own terms and make a plan for how I’ll spend my day. There’s always something going on in Florence, and I was not left disappointed or bored.
One way I chose to spend my evening was to go to the spa. I had seen clips on TikTok, but I couldn’t begin to imagine all the available things to do there. When I arrived at the Asmana SPA, I was overwhelmed, both by the sheer size of the place and by having walked half an hour along a highway because Google Maps thought this was feasible. (Don’t cut corners! Take a taxi or bus when you need it!) The atmosphere calmed my nerves almost immediately, though. The size of this particular spa was larger than most shopping malls I’d been to. Each room had a different natural aroma of essential oils, and the most noteworthy feature was the outdoor pool, which included a lazy river and poolside bar.
Each pool was also heated so it could be enjoyed year-round. One room was full of swings with bird sounds playing, another was lined with waterbeds, and my personal favorite had a pressurized shower where you could lie down and get a massage from the water. My three-hour pass was only 35 euros! This seemed to be a popular honeymoon destination, considering it was hard to find another “solo traveler” there, but I had an amazing time, and the atmosphere was unforgettable. My biggest takeaway from this experience was simply, how can I reach this level of “zen” on a day-to-day basis? While you’re there, you won’t want it to end. If I were to pinpoint how you can connect local wellness to personal relaxation, it would be to treat every day as a new opportunity for relaxation.
Taking the Wellness Mindset Home
Unstructured time and a planned itinerary can both be equally fulfilling when you give yourself the grace of enjoying each moment as it arrives. The emotional impact of taking time for yourself can’t be understated, and when I’m nostalgic, I find myself thinking about the feeling of awe and tranquility I had rather than the sights I planned each trip around. There’s something to be said about the simple pleasures in life. Each experience while abroad can be overwhelming in all the most exciting and staggering ways. ISI Abroad offers multiple wellness resources here in Florence. This includes English-speaking general practitioners, as well as mental health professionals like psychologists, psychotherapists, and counselors. ISI also has a published Wellness Guidebook that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and sexual health during this new chapter in so many of our lives. When we approach each day with the intention of staying balanced and focusing on self-discovery every moment of this experience, it can feel equally vital.