Travel and Wellbeing: How Travelling Can Improve Your Mental Health
“Traveling outgrows its motives. It soon proves sufficient in itself. You think you are making a trip, but soon it is making you - or unmaking you.”
In today's fast-paced and stressful world, taking care of our mental health and wellbeing has become more important than ever. Is travelling an option to achieve this? Yes!
Beyond the excitement of exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, travelling has a profound impact on our mental health. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, when we step out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves in unfamiliar surroundings, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and ways of thinking. The simple act of being outdoors in nature, exploring new environments, and disconnecting from our daily routines can be a welcome boost to our mental wellbeing. Pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and let travelling become a transformative experience for your mind, body, and soul.
The Connection Between Travel and Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a term that combines good health, happiness and resilience. The first two are the feel-good obvious ones, while resilience is the yang to happiness’ ying. Resilience is the ability to cope and bounce back from life’s inevitable setbacks. It's not about moment-to-moment joy but the ability to thrive no matter what you encounter.
Travelling is a powerful wellbeing tool. The very act of planning a trip and looking forward to it can boost our mood and increase overall happiness. Studies have shown that the anticipation of a trip can bring a sense of excitement and joy, similar to the feeling of receiving a gift. This anticipation releases dopamine in our brains, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. So, even before we embark on our journey, travel already starts to work its magic.
Once we arrive at a new destination, our brains are stimulated by unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. This sensory overload can help us be more present and mindful, as we immerse ourselves in the present moment. The change of scenery can be refreshing and rejuvenating by giving our minds a much-needed break from our everyday routines.
In addition to the immediate benefits, there are long-term effects between travel and wellbeing. The memories and experiences we gather during our trips become part of our personal narratives, shaping our identities and perspectives. Travel memories can bring us joy, comfort, and a sense of fulfillment long after we return home. They serve as a reminder of our capabilities, resilience, and the beauty that exists in the world and foster personal growth and self-awareness.
Wellbeing occurs when people have the resources they need to meet a challenge.
When individuals have more challenges than resources, the see-saw dips and wellbeing plummets. Similarly, when someone loads up on resources, challenges may seem more manageable or not feel like a big deal. Wellbeing isn’t constant, it is a dynamic balancing act throughout life. We all have ups and downs and it’s ok to be a little off-balance sometimes. In fact, dealing with tough challenges can help to build internal resources! Consider the ups and downs of the see-saw on your last travel adventure including the misadventures!
Travel and Wellbeing Benefits
The connections between travel and wellbeing are all over the map (pun intended). From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting creativity, travel has the power to transform our mental state in numerous ways. Research has identified the following 13 ways that travel can improve wellbeing:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Strengthening our identity
Broadening our minds and increasing cognitive flexibility (the ability to adapt our thinking and behaviour to new situations)
Becoming nicer (less grumpy) and more optimistic
Creating a boost in happiness, joy and life satisfaction
Enhancing curiosity and creativity
Keeping our minds sharp
Reducing our health risks - especially when we spend time outdoors
Improving our immunity
Enriching our life stories
Improve our self-awareness (the ability to evaluate and regulate your feelings, motives and behaviours)
Increase our ability to be mindful
Building stronger social connections and a sense of belonging
Even though travel seems to make a whole lot of things more rosey, it is important to distinguish that it is not just about being away or on holiday that does the trick. These benefits are more likely to kick in when we travel in certain ways. For example, the person who goes to new places but stays on the sidelines or keeps safely in a bubble is less likely to receive these positive well-being boosts. Similarly, going to an exotic destination to flop on the beach, drink and read, while gloriously satisfying a need for escape, doesn’t provide full benefits either.
“How you live your life is up to you. You have to go out and grab the world by the horns. Rope it before it ties you down and decides for you.”
Sarah Reijonen
Travelling as a Form of Self-Care and Personal Growth
Self-care is recognized as important for maintaining our mental health and overall wellbeing. Travelling can be a powerful form of self-care, allowing us to prioritize our own needs and nourish our minds, bodies, and souls.
Moreover, travel can also be a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new experiences, we challenge ourselves to overcome fears and limitations. We learn to adapt to unfamiliar environments, navigate through uncertainties, and become more resilient in the face of adversity. These experiences help us build confidence, expand our comfort zones, and develop a sense of self-efficacy. Travelling pushes us to confront our fears, discover our strengths, and unlock our full potential.
A Little Travel Story: Travel and Wellbeing
At the San Francisco Airport, my husband and I were arriving from Canada for a quick connection to Germany. We had a reasonable time to get through customs and change planes but my blood pressure started to rise as we sat on the tarmac unable to unload due to some airport issue. After an hour of sitting we finally disembarked and began the dash to make it through the frustratingly un-rushable process of clearing customs, exiting security and then entering security again. We were travelling with only carry-on luggage (thank goodness), so felt rushed but energized with adrenaline, not frantic (yet). There was no time to pick up a snack or explore the airport. It was upon entering back through US security that I was ushered into a fast-track lane while my husband was stuck amongst the hoards of travellers in line. Bewildered by the separation, I quickly got through my short queue at the moment the final boarding call for our flight was announced. My heart began pounding and my stomach flip-flopping! The gate to our airplane was right beside security (again, thank goodness) and I ran back and forth between giving the airline crew updates and trying to find my husband in the sea of travellers.
Oh, the stress! If you had been people watching in that moment in the San Francisco terminal, you’d have been well entertained by my antics! In a strange way, I treasure this challenging experience and while it wasn’t fun in the moment, it further increased my airport confidence and strengthened my resilience. Plus, it makes for a hilarious story to tell that began a fantastic journey.
While our San Francisco airport dash could have soured our trip, sparked a disastrous marital spat or given us cause to be nasty to all future airport staff - it did not. We survived because our wellbeing was in decent shape to begin with. Funnily enough, once we settled into our seats in the very last row on the massive 747 and took a very deep breath - we looked around and realized that the plane was nearly empty! We giggled as throughout the entire flight the amazingly attentive flight attendants tried to unload all the extra snacks, beer, and desserts on the “sweet couple in the back row!”
Practical Tips for Incorporating Travel into Your Mental Health Routine
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your travel experiences:
Plan Regular Getaways: Even if you can't take long vacations, plan regular weekend getaways or day trips to nearby destinations. The change of scenery, even for a short time, can have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing.
Immerse Yourself in Nature: Whenever possible, choose destinations that offer ample opportunities to connect with nature. Spend time outdoors, engage in outdoor activities, and embrace the tranquillity and beauty of natural environments.
Embrace Spontaneity: While planning is important, allow room for spontaneity during your travels. Leave some time open for unexpected adventures and serendipitous experiences. It's often these unplanned moments that become the most memorable.
Disconnect from Technology: Use your travels as an opportunity to disconnect from technology and immerse yourself fully in the present moment. Limit your screen time, resist the urge to constantly check your phone, and embrace the freedom that comes with being disconnected.
Engage with the Local Culture: Make an effort to connect with the local culture and interact with the people you meet during your travels. Engage in conversations, try local cuisine, and participate in cultural activities. These interactions will enrich your experience and broaden your perspectives.
Reflect and Journal: Take the time to reflect on your travel experiences and journal your thoughts and feelings. Writing can be a cathartic and introspective process that helps you process your emotions and solidify the lessons and insights gained from your travels.
Integrate Travel into Your Daily Life: Travel doesn't always have to mean jetting off to far-flung destinations. Find ways to incorporate elements of travel into your daily life. Explore your own city, try new activities, and seek out cultural events and experiences that can provide a sense of adventure and novelty.
And let’s be real.
If you think back to the teeter-totter image, wellbeing is not about feeling happy all the time. And while I have been accused of being an idealist and optimist (and do own a dazzling pair of rose-coloured glasses) I am not in pursuit of being in a state of bliss, awe, and happiness 100% of the time. The intention is to thrive in a dynamic balance.
The benefits of travelling extend far beyond the temporary escape from our daily lives. By stepping out of our comfort zones, immersing ourselves in new experiences, and connecting with different cultures, we open ourselves up to personal growth, self-discovery, and a broader understanding of the world. Travelling provides us with the opportunity to recharge, rejuvenate, and prioritize our mental health.
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