5 Ways Traveling Can Benefit Your Mental Health

If there was a way to improve your well being would you do it?? What if that meant taking those vacation days and setting off on some travel? Traveling can improve your mental health. There have been many studies done and honestly, think back to a really good vacation where you felt so refreshed and relaxed. You have the proof you need without any of those studies, but if you’re looking for an excuse to give your boss to take some days off, here you go! And it’s all backed by science.

Shakes up your routine

Traveling, whether it be for the weekend, week or month, it breaks up the monotony and gets you out of the status quo. Especially if your status quo has involved some negative cycles lately. Getting away from your usual routine can break those negative cycles that we can get ourselves caught in. The bubble that you’ve been trapped in can bust and open you up to exploring the world around you and all the possibilities that exist outside of the walls of your home and mind. You’re talking about gaining some distance in a literal and figurative sense which gives way to a little clearing of the mind. So if you’re feeling like you’ve been in a rut that you just can’t shake, try going somewhere. 

Increases Creativity 

No, really! This one is about science. It’s been scientifically proven that travel can improve the neuroplasticity of your brain. This increases the creativity. According to studies the most significant change happens with travel that allows you to really dive into a different culture. But let’s think about it… traveling opens up your mind to new experiences and other cultures. You have no choice but to see differences around you and that helps unlock different thoughts and feelings which can come out in creative ways. I have lacked a little motivation lately, but here I sit, outlining this post from a hotel room at 4:30 in the morning. So just try it.

Lowers stress levels 

When you exchange everyday life, routines, work stress for relaxing naps poolside, walks around a shade filled park or an afternoon where you can do as much or as little as you want then your brain can’t help but thrive with the break. Sometimes your mind needs to rest just as much, if not more, as your body. You can add quality time by surrounding yourself with the ones you love OR try single travel and really thrive on making your own schedule and doing exactly what you want, when you want. I love that feeling when I really settle into an adventure and feel so much peace in my life.

Self care

If you’re anything like me then sometimes this one can be difficult. If I’ve been stuck in a rut and my anxiety and depression is at a peak then I need self care the most BUT it’s much more difficult to get to the travel part. Sometimes I’ll start the planning and my anxiety has me worried about every single detail while my depression has sucked all the energy from my body. Literally. There’s no energy or brain power left over to do any of the planning. Even trying to figure out where to go seems overwhelming. Not to mention the terrible words in my head about whether or not I even deserve a trip. But if we can find a way to push through the noise in our heads and plan a trip then we can display self love and personal development. This gives us a purpose and reminds us that we are worthy.

Traveling gives you a sense achievement 

Reading through personal development books, I hear over and over that the only way to overcome our fears is to face them. Head on and with determination. Visiting a new place, especially alone, gives me nerves until my stomach is in knots. Seriously. Imagine this… I am someone who will get invited to a local brewery or restaurant and will make a special trip to DRIVE AROUND THE LOCATION just to get a game plan on parking, the atmosphere, everything! Lol and no, this is not a joke. I really do this. So imagine traveling somewhere new and the anxiety that comes along with that but on the flip side, imagine the accomplishment you feel once you’ve done it! Because seriously, if you can handle being in countries where you don’t speak the language or packing up your kids as a single mom and flying across the country then other tasks in your life won’t seem so overwhelming. Even when you take the small things into account like flying on your own or navigating a new city you don’t know without a full on anxiety meltdown will build up your self-esteem and leave you beaming with pride that you tackled something that seems so scary.

So what are you tackling next? Where’s the next adventure going to take you? Sound off in the comments and let’s take care of ourselves!