09/28/2022
People travel for many reasons, including to visit friends and family out of state and to see attractions like historical sites and national parks. Summers and holidays are particularly busy for travel, whether you are going by car, plane, or train. In addition to being fun, going on a trip also has several mental health benefits that travelers enjoy. Just as you would take a day off to go to the doctor’s office, it is important to do things that are good for mental as well as physical health. Here are a few of the mental health benefits of traveling.
1. Increased Empathy
When you travel, you encounter different people, not all of whom do things the same way that you do. Encountering different cultures and ways of life can help people to have more empathy. Empathy is the ability to see things from another person’s point of view and is important to mental health because it positively impacts how someone sees the world.
2. Stress Relief
Although making a long journey can be stressful, most people intend to relax and unwind once they reach their final destination. Stress relief can mean different things to different people. For example, some people prefer to relax by renting a cabin in a remote area, while other people might consider the thought of potentially dealing with wild animals and being cut off from the outside world to be stressful. Find what is relaxing for you and seek out those opportunities when traveling.
3. Improvement of Mental Functioning
When you travel, you do things that you might not often do in your regular day-to-day life, gaining new experiences in the process. Performing new activities keeps the brain alert and healthy, which is necessary for good mental health.
Depending on where you are going, there will more than likely be some new and interesting experiences to enjoy and learn from. Continuing to learn and explore helps keep the brain happy and active.
4. A Break From Monotony
Having a routine does have its benefits; for example, having a regular sleep schedule is important for fighting fatigue and stress. However, getting in a rut for too long can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Traveling allows you to break out of this rut, whether you are going somewhere for a long weekend, an entire month, or some time frame in between. Breaking up the routine once in a while boosts happiness levels by keeping life interesting.
What Are Some Cities to Consider?
One city to consider visiting is Los Angeles. This destination has plenty of craft breweries and outdoor activities both inside and outside the city. Consider watching a Dodgers baseball game while here. Find an online ticker seller for discounted Los Angeles Dodgers tickets and choose your perfect seat by using virtual stadium views.
Another city is New Orleans, Louisiana. This historic city boasts unique cuisine and jazz music and is home to an annual Mardi Gras parade.
If you need an excuse to take a vacation, consider these benefits to mental health that traveling provides. Click here for more Smart Strategies for Successful Living.
