5 Reasons Why Travelling With Your Dear One Is Good For Your Mental Health
Since the beginning of time, travelling has been one of the most integral parts of human life. Human beings were wanderers and ever-curious by nature, and staying put in one place never made sense. Till today, we can see the love our ancestors had for travelling in us although in more contemporary forms. Travel helps us detox, unwind from the daily grind of life, and helps us experience a flurry of emotions. It has been immensely beneficial for physical health by keeping the body agile and moving. It keeps away several diseases by enhancing the functions of the heart, mind, and other organs. With all these benefits, it does not come as a surprise that travelling with a close one is also good for your mental and emotional health. In fact, in the recent years there has been ample scientific evidence to show that it does. Not convinced yet? Here are 5 reasons why travelling can be good for your mental health:
It helps you relax and unwind
One of the foremost reasons you should consider travelling alone or with a loved one is that it helps you relax and unwind from your daily hustle-bustle and the grind of city life. You get to log-out from the online and taxing world of emails, work, social media, and the endless barrage of news. There are various studies that indicate the positive effects of taking breaks in nature. Slowing down and relaxing is essential to the human body and mind and travelling with a loved one can enhance the joy of stepping out into the world.
It helps improve mental health related symptoms
Did you know that travelling, especially with a loved one can alleviate the symptoms of mental ailments like depression, anxiety, panic disorders, low mood, brain fog, and others? When you spend too much time locked inside your home or the same four walls, it can take a toll on your mental health. A case in point would be how we all felt during the COVID-19 pandemic – alone, distressed, and disconnected. It is important for us, even from an evolutionary perspective, to put ourselves out there, mingle with others, and be one with the outdoors.
It helps you reflect and gain new perspectives
Travelling, especially to an offbeat or remote place can get your creative juices flowing and rid many mental blocks. This, in turn, is great for boosting your mental health. For instance, when you face stagnation in your job or are having a tough time navigating challenging experiences, travelling to a new place can help you gain the perspective you need to tackle them. You get enough time and space to reflect, whether you are partying until the break of dawn, trekking with your friends, or sipping on coffee by yourself in quaint café.
It helps you adapt and become emotionally content
Did you know that engaging in diverse experiences is good for the brain and our mental health? Our brain is not wired to do the same repetitive things every day, we need to mix it up and put ourselves out there – basically we need to adapt. When we travel, we expose ourselves to the unpredictability of life and equip ourselves to deal with unforeseen situations – whether good or bad. When we know we can handle scenarios like meeting and befriending strangers, figuring out routes, handling our own bookings, indulging in never-done-before experiences, we become confident and resilient.
You realize you are not alone
One of biggest reasons to travel, solo or with a dear one, is to soak in different cultures and see people different from you lead their lives. You not only get to relish delicious cuisines, hang out with the locals, and bring back memories and souvenirs, you also get to expand your horizons and realize you are not alone in your fears and anxieties. Almost everyone on the planet has experienced similar, if not the same things – we all have had struggles and bad mental health days. Knowing you are not alone can instill hope and the emotional intelligence to deal with the bad days.
