Six reasons why you should go travelling

We all need a change of scenery sometimes, we’re human after all – but did you know there are multiple benefits that come with travelling?

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Art of Healthy Living

In today’s society where stress and anxiety have become more of a commonplace than any kind of anomaly, any opportunity to do something good for your mental health should be used without any second thoughts. Well, taking time to travel definitely counts as one such activity.

Traveling allows you to break away from your oppressive routines, experience new places and cultures, and gain a new lease on life. Here’s how this dynamic works in greater detail and why you should start packing your bags right now.

Stress reduction and relaxation

If you are looking for the positive mental aspects of globetrotting, you will hardly find a better example than the chance to blow off some steam. Escaping your mundane surroundings and responsibilities can provide a much-needed break from the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re soaking in sunrays on some tropical beach or hiking in the mountains, travel offers a chance to disconnect and recharge. And escaping the hectic lifestyle of the modern world is always something to look forward to.

Furthermore, during travel, you can engage in activities that promote relaxation. Spa treatments, yoga retreats, or simply taking leisurely walks in nature are some of the first mentions that cross our minds. These simple but engaging activities do a tremendous job of eliminating stress levels and stimulating the release of endorphins.

Enhanced cognitive function

Traveling exposes you to new experiences, cultures, and languages, which can significantly stimulate your brain. When you encounter unfamiliar situations, your brain is forced to adapt and problem-solve, thus improving cognitive function.

Whether it’s navigating through a foreign city or trying to communicate in a different language, these challenges put your ability to think critically and creatively to a real test. They drag you out of your established comfort zone and force you more independent as a result.

Additionally, exploring new environments and engaging in novel activities can boost memory and improve mental agility. Various studies have produced conclusive evidence that travel can even help delay age-related cognitive decline.

Increased happiness and wellbeing

Traveling has been countless times proven to boost happiness and a sense of personal accomplishment. Planning and anticipating a trip can generate feelings of excitement and joy. The experience of exploring new places and creating lasting memories can contribute to a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. The feeling of restriction and containment is one of the biggest causes of depression. The best way to break down mental barriers is to make the world your personal playground.

Travel also provides an opportunity to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as trying local cuisine, visiting museums, or participating in adventurous pursuits. These empowering experiences release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, further enhancing your mood.

Broadened perspective

Traveling around the globe inevitably broadens your worldview by allowing you to get a taste of different cultures, traditions, and ways people get around life. Immersing yourself in these new environments and seemingly odd environments fosters empathy and understanding.

This exposure to diverse perspectives helps break down preconceived notions and stereotypes, leading to a more inclusive mindset which is always a good thing. These experiences are even more profound if you share them in a group, so consider bringing up other people for a ride.

Moreover, encountering different customs and beliefs challenges your worldview, allowing you to question your own values and assumptions. This self-reflection and greater experience with alternative viewpoints can lead to increased self-awareness and a greater appreciation for the puzzle of diversity we call our world.

Stress resilience and coping skills

Traveling often involves encountering unexpected situations, such as delayed flights, language barriers, or getting lost. Dealing with these challenges can enhance your stress resilience and improve your ability to adapt to new circumstances.

Overcoming obstacles during travel fosters problem-solving skills and promotes a sense of self-efficacy. The coping skills developed through travel can be transferred to your daily life, enabling you to handle stress more effectively.

By learning to handle challenging situations in a stoic manner and find reasonable solutions to emerging problems, you become better equipped to tackle challenges in other areas of your life.

Restored work-life balance

It is hard to escape the feeling that striking some functional balance between private and professional life is becoming harder each day we step out of bed. Travel provides an opportunity to step away from work-related stressors, shut down the tech, and reconnect with the people we crave for. By prioritising leisure time through travel, you can restore balance and perspective in your life.

Taking breaks from work allows you to relax, recharge, and return with renewed focus and productivity. Travel also encourages quality time with family and friends, strengthening relationships and promoting emotional balancing.