Ever just wanted to get away? Go on a vacation? See a new place? Traveling and going on vacations can be a great way to reward yourself, but they have more benefits than just the fun of it. Seeing a new place is good for your mental health. If you’ve been over-stressed, unmotivated, or just feel like you’re stuck, traveling can help you to improve your overall well-being.
Travel encourages creativity. You see other places and cultures, and you may feel inspired. If you’re traveling with a friend or a loved one, it helps to strengthen your bond with them. We weren’t meant to be cooped up in the same town all the time, and if you aren’t traveling more, you may not be receiving all the mental health benefits that are possible.
Here are some places you should consider traveling to if you want to improve your mental health.
A Beach
A beach may be a cliché place to travel, but there’s a reason why so many people want to go to there. The beach has many benefits for mental health.
For example, the sounds of the ocean can stimulate your brain and make you reflect. The ocean can make you feel better about yourself, and calm you down. If you sleep near a beach, you may be able to get a better night’s rest.
The beach may make you feel overall less stressed as well. There are many benefits for visiting one, so why not take a trip to one near you?
A City
If you don’t live in a metropolis, traveling to a large city can be mentally stimulating. Walking around a city, mapping it out in your mind, discovering cool shops and areas, looking at the aesthetics of a concrete jungle… these are just a few reasons why city travel can be the best.
On the other hand, if you live in a city, traveling to a more rural area may be the stress relief you need. It’s relaxed and can help you calm down from the city life.
The Wilderness
Travel to a deep forest, let yourself get lost into it (metaphorically, of course,) and you may be able to improve your mental health. Studies have shown that going in the woods can improve your stress levels, boost your immune system, and make you feel at ease. All the oxygen from the trees is one such reason, and the sounds of nature are another. The forest has quite a few benefits for you to enjoy, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you haven’t done so already.
So if you want an excuse to go camping or hiking, this is one for you.
Abroad
If you can afford to travel abroad, a new culture and a new setting is one that you may just need if you want to improve your mental health. Not only is traveling abroad inspiring, but it’s great on your mental health.
Just remember to plan when traveling abroad in order to avoid certain stresses. Bring enough money, medicine, and make a plan of everything you want to do. A vacation should be about fun, not be about getting lost of not having everything you want packed and ready to use.
Of course, if you have a mental disorder, while traveling may help with the symptoms, it’s no substitute for professional help. In addition to traveling, talk to a counselor, look for a therapist near you, and then talk to them about any questions or concerns you may have while traveling.
About the author: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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