The Healing Power of Travel

Travel is something that enlightens our lives, allowing us to take a break from reality and discover new places all around the globe – but did you know that it’s also good for both our physical and mental health? It may seem like the perfect excuse to jet off on yet another holiday but it’s true. Our adventures and explorations around the world have positive benefits on our health and wellbeing. Studies have shown that frequent travelling can cause a significant drop in stress levels, relieve symptoms of depression and even cut your chances of having a heart attack.

ABOVE & COVER PHOTO: SHE SHE RETREATS IN MALLORCA - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR A PEACEFUL GETAWAY

Of course, this is all dependent on how you travel. If you are constantly on the road, leaving your planning until the last minute and eating out for every meal, you probably won’t see the same health benefits as someone who travels with a slow and considered ethos. You need to take the stress out of travelling in order to use travel as an opportunity to destress. Work should be left at home, along with all your worries. 

As well as relieving stress, travel is known to expand your mind. When you travel, you meet new people, learn new languages and deal with new situations. This helps to keep your mind sharp, while teaching yourself new skills. Travelling also boosts creativity, helping you to shake off writer’s block, seek new inspiration or perhaps even spark an idea for a new project. 

Perhaps due to these previously mentioned benefits, travel is even known to help relieve symptoms of depression. Taking a break and travelling to new places helps people to feel less stressed, less anxious, better rested and generally much happier. If you travel frequently, these benefits are multiplied as the pressure of daily life is left behind.

There are physical health benefits too. Most of us are more active when we travel, even if unintentionally. We’re more likely to walk around or hire a bike, as we try to see more of our destination. We like to swim on holiday, and we’re more likely to try new things such as skiing, paddle boarding or strenuous hikes. Even if you base your travels around lounging on a beach, you’re still wading into the water for a refreshing swim.

Studies have suggested that those of us who regularly travel are less likely to suffer heart attacks than those who travel infrequently. We travellers also have boosted immune systems thanks to the exposure to different environments. We’re even said to live longer, thanks to travel keeping us active and boosting our brain health.  

Bearing all of this in mind, spending as much time as possible travelling all around the world suddenly sounds like an even better idea. We can use the excuse that we’re stimulating our brains, relieving stress and boosting our physical wellbeing.