It’s a common saying now that travel is good for your health. You hear it all the time when somebody goes on about their recent travels. It is as if it has become something of a golden rule now.
Go and travel, and you’ll return as healthier as ever.
People don’t necessarily tell you about the health benefits reaped from traveling. They don’t give you a rundown or a list of these things as if it’s some grocery shopping list.
You see it in the way their faces glow bright pink after being under the sun for days by the beach.
It is in the smile that grows on their faces as they recount a funny story on the first day of their trip. It is in the knowing look in their eyes as they share an important lesson they had learned from a local abroad.
Truly, traveling is extremely uplifting, not only physically and mentally, but also spiritually. It’s all supported by science!
Sure, some stressful moments could arise during your travel. But ultimately, the satisfaction you gain from the trip will all be worth it.
Still not convinced to take a short break? Here are the reasons why travel is good for your health:
Table of Contents
- 1. Stepping away from your daily routine helps alleviate stress.
- 2. Traveling will help you expand your mind.
- 3. Traveling as an emotional boost by connecting with people.
- 4. Satisfying your soul with the experiences you make and the people you meet.
- 5. Exposure to different environments means a stronger body.
- 6. Taking a trip reduces the risk of heart diseases (and other health complications).
- 7. Traveling means living longer, living longer means more traveling!
1. Stepping away from your daily routine helps alleviate stress.
Let’s start with the first reason why travel is good for your health that comes into everyone’s mind!
Your daily routine – which may involve your 9 to 5, five days a week job – can be extremely stressful. The constant hustle will take a toll on you.
So, take a break off!
Step away from the environment and activities that stress you out.
Even for a short while.
You will find yourself experiencing a new place and new experiences, resetting your mind and body.
Studies show that travelers return more relaxed, well-rested, less anxious, and just in general, in a better mood.
2. Traveling will help you expand your mind.
Speaking of experiences, meeting new people and adapting to new situations increase your cognitive skills.
Traveling takes you away from your comfort zone and daily routine, exposing yourself to situations you have no control over. These stressful situations while on a trip will lead you to get yourself out of them, putting your problem-solving skills a test.
Along the way, you’ll find new ways to solve problems that will help you in your job once you get back.
This immersion in new cultures will also boost your creativity! Some writers and artists alike take their time away to engross themselves in various perspectives.
You will find yourself with a deeper understanding and sense of cultural awareness.
3. Traveling as an emotional boost by connecting with people.
Now, humans are social animals. Regular social interaction helps boost our emotional stability, knowing there is someone you can talk to or share ideas with.
While traveling, especially to new places, you will find yourself connecting to locals. These connections open yourself up to a different understanding of the rest of the world.
If traveling with a friend, you’ll have each other to talk to, to share experiences with, and to develop a better understanding between each other.
If traveling alone, you get the opportunity to build connections with people. (Of course, there are dangers to this, so you have to trust your wits.)
Who knows?
Perhaps, you’ll pick up a friend or two. Making connections helps you gain confidence in connecting with more people and reconnecting with ones from back home. Perhaps, you’ll even fall in love.
After all, there are many stories of people falling in love while traveling.
4. Satisfying your soul with the experiences you make and the people you meet.
Rather than spending your money accumulating material possessions, why not spend it on your travels?
The experiences and connections you create are far more rewarding, satisfying the deep hunger in your soul.
Exposing yourself to a diversity of cultures, traditions, and perspectives will give you a different view and sense of what life is. You will find yourself engaging with the world and its people, perhaps developing more empathy.
These are intangible and valuable which cannot be traded for any expensive car or piece of jewelry in the world.
5. Exposure to different environments means a stronger body.
On the more scientific reasons on why to travel is good for your health!
When you travel from one place to another, your body adapts to the new foreign bodies (bacteria!) that may be around those places.
Scientific research shows that exposure to these non-threatening pathogens boosts your immune system by creating stronger antibodies. Thereby, making YOU stronger!
Of course, don’t forget that you still need to wash your hands and exercise basic and proper hygiene!
6. Taking a trip reduces the risk of heart diseases (and other health complications).
Studies show that people who don’t take vacations are more likely to suffer from a heart attack or develop heart diseases.
After all, you went on a vacation to get away from your stressors, making you less stressed and less anxious. Here’s also a good package deal: you get to see places while losing some weight!
That is to say, traveling means you are always on the move! There’s always something you are bound to do. The constant movement is going to get your heart pumping.
This lowers the risk of high cholesterol issues and high blood pressure. You lean towards having a more active lifestyle, keeping you fit and making you less like to suffer other health complications.
7. Traveling means living longer, living longer means more traveling!
If you travel a lot, your life expectancy increases. Take note, traveling does not have to be to far-flung places. All forms of traveling enhance your way of living.
Travelling reduces stress and keeps you fit physically and mentally. It’s no wonder you get to live a longer life. Living longer then means you have more chances to even travel more!
Hopefully, these reasons got you convinced to take vacations now and then. Remember, it’s most important to keep yourself safe and happy while traveling.
Now that you’ve read this, better start planning your travel, pack your bags, and get going!
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Love the post! For me, travelling also a nice opportunity to be better at planning.
Great article! I agree that traveling can really reduce stress and can help your physical and mental health.