For me, travel is a big part of staying mentally healthy. Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, every opportunity for travel, both domestic and international, is great for mental health.
It’s also important to realize that the way you travel is just as important as traveling in the first place. If your trips are planned around a checklist that must be completed exactly, it can be an additional source of stress. It’s necessary to listen to what you need in the moment and give yourself permission to be flexible and present.
Why travel is great for mental health
1. Take a break from causes of everyday stress
Stress isn’t just an inconvenience. Too much of it is known to cause health problems like high blood pressure, headaches and backaches, insomnia, weakened immune system, increased risk of heart attack, and more. Getting rid of all stress isn’t possible, but a break and change of scenery can be just what we need to give our body and mind some relief. Even though the travel is temporary, the experiences you had can bring you happiness, peace, a sense of accomplishment, and other helpful feelings that last beyond any one trip.
2. Keep your brain sharp
If you’re concerned about staying sharp as you age, regular travel is one way to reach that goal. Navigating new places and positive interpersonal interactions encourages what’s called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to continue growing and evolving in response to life experiences. Travel places you in stimulating, enriching, new situations, offering benefits you wouldn’t get by staying at home. It even encourages physical activity like walking, which increases plasticity of the brain.
3. Renew energy
Similar to #1, a break from regular routines gives you time to decompress and return with new energy. A beach vacation is always relaxing, but even more active travel can result in a much-needed mental and emotional re-set.
4. Stay physically fit and active
For most Americans, we mainly get around by car, or public transportation if in a big city. The U.S. is massive, spread out, and most cities aren’t designed for pedestrians. Traveling to places where walking is the norm takes away the need to set aside time for it. We know that a sedentary lifestyle leads to negative health effects. We also know that physical and mental health is highly connected. If you’re like me and don’t like to go to the gym while traveling, simply walking as much as possible makes a big difference. Plus, there are often opportunities for activities that combine exercise and sight-seeing, like hiking and swimming.
5. Gain perspective
Just like standing among mountains or being in the open ocean, travel expands your world and makes the little things less of an issue. I’ve found it’s easier to take the advice, “don’t sweat the small things” after international adventures. This is perfect for the control freaks out there. Sometimes you have no choice but to let go of things you can’t change – and there can be a lot of those things when you travel.
Physical distance from your regular life also helps to break out of negative cycles, like a bad relationship or a job you hate. For me, travel has definitely caused me to be more intentional in the life choices I make.
6. Inspire creativity
There’s so much beauty and creativity around the world that it’s hard not to be inspired. Whatever your medium is, other people’s creativity fuels your own. Travel expands your worldview, offering so much more to draw from creatively. New sights and sounds inspire original ideas or a different perspective. I’ve been inspired at different times to write, do photography, videography, learn a language, or explore a new craft, dance, or visual art form.
7. Boost confidence and self-esteem
There’s nothing like overcoming challenges to boost your self-confidence. Travel, especially to destinations much different than what you’re used to, provides challenges. Whether it’s overcoming a language barrier, flight horror stories, or getting lost, obstacles make you more resourceful and street smart. The rockier the process of overcoming a challenge, the better you feel about yourself for getting through it.
Do you agree with these reasons why travel is great for mental health? What have your experiences been with mental wellness and travel? Let me know in the comments below.
If you liked this, check these out:
Getaway House: Relax & Refresh in a Tiny Cabin
What Is Slow Travel and Why Should You Do It?
8 Ways to Escape to Nature in Baltimore, Maryland
Pin it for later:
1 Comment
Thanks for explaining how you can use traveling to improve your mood and deal with stress. My friend is interested in trying all sorts of activities this year. Maybe we should start with finding a beach vacation company that can help him unwind.