Traveling is not only fun but it is also beneficial to our mental health, hence, the many #TravelGoals we see on various social media platforms.
Since ancient times, our ancestors have been traveling around the world to look for food and shelter. Then as we evolved, we started to explore the world to see places we have never been to as well. But do you know that traveling has many benefits not only to your physical health but also to your mental health? Well, here's seven reasons why traveling can be good for your mental health.
1. It shakes up the status quo
Getting out of your usual routine can help you break negative cycles and see a world full of possibilities. If you are one of those people who enjoys routine in your life, going outside of your bubble will refresh your outlook in life.
Indeed, operating off-book is easier said than done especially in a world of synchronized calendars and countless scheduling tools. Breaking our routine can be a lot harder because we might get sucked in a vortex of watching videos or playing online games that will throw our productivity out of the window. But couldn't too much routine inhibit positive changes and destroys our creativity?
2. It teaches you to learn how to communicate with strangers
No man is an island. We interact with people daily but traveling gives you a much different experience because you will have to learn how to survive whether you are traveling on your own or with someone.
You get to meet new people from different cultures and walks of life and see a broader view of the world. Until you slowly find yourself less anxious talking to strangers or to your new neighbor next door who has just recently immigrated.
3. It lowers your stress level
Researchers say that traveling plays a big role in lowering your stress level and to our happiness. When you are traveling, you would get less stress out of the little delay in your trip because you feel that you have all the time in the world.
Leaving work stress and the everyday routine behind to travel or just simply taking leisurely walks can do your mental health the world of good. Spending time away with family and friends will make you feel good, while solo travel can give you a sense of independence.
4. It boosts self-esteem and confidence
Traveling can mean navigating crowds in excessive heat, getting lost, struggling with language barriers or culture shock. It could be extra challenging especially when you are the type that easily gets anxious or prone to feeling down.
But travel stress can help you cope with your daily life. You will learn to make choices in difficult times rather than avoid it. Going through this experience gives and confidence and boosts your self-esteem.
5. Traveling allows you to get to know yourself better
When you travel you get to experience different kinds of things that you don't normally experience. You will have to make decisions and react to the things around you while traveling and this will improve your understanding of yourself. It may sound ironic but traveling makes you lose yourself.
6. Traveling means relaxation, both physically and mentally
Doing exercise is known to be good for your mental well-being and traveling will give you more opportunity to do that. By embracing the great outdoors like swimming in the sea or summiting mountain peaks can boost your energy levels and improve your mood.
Connecting with nature is another way to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. That's why incorporating a little ecotherapy into your travels will help you.
7. Traveling allows you to shift your perspective
Breaking your daily routine through traveling or going on a holiday can help you create new habits. You see life from a new perspective and get to appreciate it more than before and you get to understand why some things happen through experiencing it while traveling.
There is more to this list but you will have to discover it yourself. So the next time you need reasons to move away from your daily routine you can think of these seven reasons to tell your boss and help them approve your leave.
