When people talk about traveling, they talk about the beautiful sceneries they have seen and the wonderful people they have met. But if you dig deeper, you will realize that the benefits of going on holidays go beyond making memories. The activity itself is so meaningful that it can leave a positive impact on your emotional health.
You might not have considered it mainly because you are too busy having fun – which is a good thing! But you must know how traveling actually affects your mental well-being in a good way. Doing so will make you realize why you should be taking days off somewhere else more frequently (and if your budget permits!).
Here are some of the benefits of traveling that will make you look forward to your next trip:
It lets you escape your usual stressors
Imagine you’ve been working on the same day job in the last five years, facing the same stress and dealing with the same problems. Funnily enough, you might not have gotten used to it, and going to work might be dreadful for you. So why not go on a vacation? You can escape your usual stressors and get happy experiences! Getting the rest that you deserve will also give your mind a break. Staying under the beach sun can even give you Vitamin D, and your brain can enjoy a serotonin boost.
It gives you a new lens to view the world through
Maybe you’ve gotten so used to your way of living that you have forgotten that people on the other side of the globe are doing it differently. Experiencing new cultures will open your eyes to new philosophies of living. You can either learn a new recipe in Japan or experience the benefits of yoga in India. These skills you gain can be applied to your lifestyle when you get back home. The new perspectives you have received will enrich your life.
You can become more creative
Whether it’s a solo backpacking trip or a Mormon vacation, traveling can also challenge your creativity. From budgeting to drafting your itinerary, your mind’s “challenge accepted” switch is turned on. But that does not end there. Reading maps, trying to decipher the foreign language, and figuring your way out in the cobbled maze all excite you. Engaging in local activities, such as dancing in parades, creating a mask for the Day of the Dead in Mexico, or learning how to surf taps into your creative side.
You can learn from other people
Going on trips will undeniably expose you to different people, whether locals or your fellow tourists. You get to talk to them and engage with them. Through your conversations, you will mine new insights on life. Some of them can even inspire you to face your fears and do accomplish that one thing that you’ve meant to do. This makes you feel positive, which has a direct effect on your emotional well-being.
Traveling is empowering
Simply put, traveling is an empowering activity. It helps you get to know the world and yourself thoroughly. Just a word of caution, though. Don’t treat it as a medicine. In case you feel like you’re dealing with a more serious emotional issue, don’t hesitate to seek a mental health professional’s help.
