In my opinion, travelling is one of the very best things you can do for your health. I know what you’re thinking; surely this is an old-fashioned view, it’s something that Victorian doctors would have prescribed – taking the sea air, and so on – but the truth is that, although it is something that health professionals have been recommending for quite some time, that doesn’t mean it’s not helpful. In fact, despite all the medical advancements that science makes year on year, travel can still be the best thing for you (as long as you do it under advisement, of course). Here are some of the main reasons why.
Movement
No matter where you go or what you do, just being out and about will enhance your health. You could embark on a guided trip into the tropics, the Amazonian rainforest, go mountain climbing, or spend the day walking around an interesting city… Even if you opt to lay on the beach in the sun, you’ll still have to walk there from your hotel, and you may even want to go for a swim in the water – all of this is exercise, possibly more than you’re getting at home right now.
The great thing about ‘holiday exercise’ as opposed to the usual walking or gym workout or cycling you might do at home is that I wouldn’t even notice I was exercising most of the time. That makes it more fun, more manageable, and, of course, it’s good for your health.
Your Mind
As I’m sure you’re aware, mental health is equally as essential as physical health, and your brain, like all of your other muscles, needs to be trained. Going somewhere fascinating, unusual, with a new culture, beautiful architecture, or a rich history can offer your brain something to do and keep it busy.
In other words, if you change up your everyday routine and explore new places, meet new people, and see new things, you’re working hard at keeping your brain healthy, usually without even knowing it. Routines are good, but a break from them is just as beneficial.
De-Stress
A trip away from home will enable you to get away from the daily pressures that we all face. I know I have plenty, and I know that literally getting away from it all always makes me feel better. It will allow you to replenish your batteries and, if required, rethink your options.
Stress is a silent killer, and having too much stress in your life can impact your health in a number of ways – it can impair your judgement, contribute to heart disease, make you physically less able to move about, and cause depression. When you travel, you increase your serotonin levels (the happy hormone), which helps to alleviate the stress of daily living. When you return from your trip, you should be able to discover more pleasure in life than before – and even the most terrible circumstances should look and feel better. Just make sure that you prepare for your trip by organising your vaccinations and going to Official Esta for your visa information. That way, you won’t add any stress when you’re meant to be reducing it.
Make New Friends
Another aspect of travel that can frequently contribute to improved health is the opportunity to meet new people and make new relationships. Isolation can be harmful to your health – humans are social beings by nature, which is true even for introverts like me (although introverts may require less social interaction than extroverts). Going on holiday and meeting new people can improve your mental health, which will improve your physical health.
