Traveling is a hobby many people enjoy. Whether to a nearby city or a country across the world, you’re not alone in feeling good when you can take a trip out of town. But is traveling good for mental health as well?
In today’s fast-paced world where stress and anxiety often take center stage, finding ways to nurture your mental health is essential. And one powerful yet often overlooked remedy is to take time away from your busy schedule to explore the world around you.
“Our brains are like muscles and we can give them a workout by breaking out of our comfort zones,” Karen Ann Cooper, MSN, APRN-BC, a psychiatrist and behavioral health specialist in our Greenville market, explains. “Our brains demand new experiences to grow – our minds get bored with routines.”
She continues, “Travel is great because it shakes up routines, and the brain reacts. But it’s important to try and get out of your comfort zone; don’t go to the same beach, the same chair with the same magazine every single vacation.”
Top ways traveling can be good for your mental health
Helps reduce stress
Traveling provides an escape from daily responsibilities, work pressures and the monotony of routine. Whether it’s a beach getaway, a mountain retreat or a vibrant city exploration, stepping into a new environment can help reset the mind. In fact, studies have shown that travel reduces cortisol levels – the body’s primary stress hormone – leading to a calmer, more relaxed state of mind.
Can boost creativity and cognitive flexibility
Experiencing new cultures and environments stimulates the brain, encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving.
“When you set foot in a new place and smell the new foods, hear the new language – that is like weight training for brains,” Karen shares. “The sights and sounds that unfold with travel stretch the brain’s capabilities; the more we stretch, the more we build dendrites. Tasting a new recipe, ordering new food, taking in new views stimulates our visual cortex.”
Additionally, this newfound creativity can carry over into personal and professional life, improving overall productivity and satisfaction.
Provides opportunities to strengthen relationships
Traveling with loved ones – be it family, friends or a partner – fosters deeper connections through shared experiences. Overcoming challenges together, such as navigating unfamiliar streets or trying new activities, builds trust and strengthens bonds. Even solo travelers benefit from forming new relationships on the road, which can combat feelings of loneliness and promote a sense of belonging.
Promotes personal growth and boosts self-confidence
Travel often pushes individuals out of their comfort zones. But is traveling good for mental health still if you experience that kind of discomfort as a result? Yes!
Whether it’s learning to navigate a foreign city, trying an unfamiliar dish or engaging with locals, these experiences build resilience and confidence. Overcoming travel-related challenges fosters a sense of accomplishment and helps individuals recognize their inner strengths.
“If you have ever taken a trip, especially abroad, you feel like you have been born anew,” Karen explains. “That is the sensation of your brain growing.”
Improves mood and overall happiness
Anticipating a trip can bring excitement and joy, as can the actual experience of exploring new places. In fact, research has shown that travel increases dopamine – the “happiness hormone” – which boosts mood and fosters a sense of well-being. The memories created during travel serve as a source of happiness long after returning home.
But is traveling good for mental health outside of the vacation itself? Turns out post-vacation highs are real, too.
“A South Korean study confirmed that life satisfaction is higher 15 days prior to travel, and then life satisfaction continues to be higher an entire month after travelers come home,” Karen adds.
Encourages mindfulness
Traveling naturally encourages mindfulness as individuals become more attuned to their surroundings. The sights, sounds and smells of a new destination can ground travelers in the present moment, providing a mental reset. This heightened awareness reduces overthinking and fosters a deeper appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.
Encourages physical activity
Exploring new destinations often involves physical activity, whether it’s walking through a bustling market, hiking a scenic trail or swimming in the ocean. Regular movement not only benefits physical health but also releases endorphins, natural mood elevators that combat anxiety and depression.
To ensure your next vacation has a positive impact on your mental health, consider the following tips.
- Plan ahead: Choose destinations and activities that align with your interests and energy levels.
- Travel mindfully: Avoid overloading your itinerary and allow time for relaxation.
- Stay present: Focus on the moment rather than worrying about capturing the perfect photo or checking off a list.
- Be open to new experiences: Embrace the unexpected and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
So, is traveling good for mental health? Yes, it is! Pack your bags and set out on a journey to discover the world and rediscover yourself.
Learn more about the behavioral and mental health services we provide at Bon Secours.
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