9 Reasons Travel is Good for Your Mental Health
Sian Pages – Travel Planner
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Clearly mental health is integral to have a fulfilling life.
Mental health is as important as physical health and requires nurturing and active maintenance.
Travel is a great way to maintain mental wellbeing and, by extension, it contributes to a happier and more fulfilling life. So, here are 9 reasons why travel is good for your mental health.
Travel gives you opportunities to try new things and meet new people, helping you combat monotony.
Travel connects people and provides opportunities to learn about new and different cultures, which can help increase your empathy towards others. It can also help improve your overall tolerance, reduce biases and even decrease frustration.
Activities, like walking, hiking, and skiing, in scenic areas can help you become more hopeful.
A 2020 study found that people who were consciously aware of the vistas and objects around them on a walk reported being more hopeful and upbeat than other walkers. What could be better than enjoying the wonderful scenery of a new destination on a hiking route or while skiing down a beautiful slope?
Time away from work can increase your energy and productivity at work.
A Harvard Business Review study of over 400 travellers found that 94% of respondents had as much or more energy after coming back from a good trip. So, book that holiday and crush your work goals when you return!
Taking a trip helps you do good, which helps you feel good.
Some evidence suggests that helping others can promote physiological changes in the brain linked with happiness. Spending money during your holidays in restaurants, attractions and even locally made souvenirs, helps support the 330 million people who rely on the sector for their livelihoods. You can also help by volunteering with a reputable local organisation!
A wellness trip can contribute to stronger mental health.
On a wellness retreat focused on practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, you can learn skills that you can bring home to help you keep up a regular wellness routine. This routine will be key in maintaining stronger mental health. Can’t you just imagine yourself learning centuries-old yoga practices on an idyllic beach?
Doing something you enjoy makes you happy.
Pull out that bucket list and see what you still need to check off. By doing something you enjoy, you perform necessary self-care and contribute to your own happiness.
Travelling with loved ones helps meet your needs for love and belonging.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs identifies love and belonging as key psychological human needs. Sharing your amazing travel adventures with loved ones helps enhance your connection with them while intensifying feelings of love, belonging, and fulfilment. Think of a family holiday on a beautiful island or a trip eating all sorts of delicious food with your best friend.
Want More Information?
If you’d like to discuss your future travel plans you have in mind, get in contact with our in-house travel consultant, Sian Pages, on sian@longhurst.co.uk.
Sian will be more than happy to spend time talking you through your options; remembering her service is delivered at no cost to clients and professional connections of Longhurst.
Happy Adventures!
