Health Benefits of Traveling

Today, my eleven year-old daughter asked if she could have a “mental health day” and stay home from school. A little back story: I give my kids two “mental health days” for the school year that they can take if they need a mental break or a day to recharge. It’s not a “yes” day or free-for-all day. It has structure and is designed to get them feeling better about themselves and understand how to deal with whatever it is that is bothering them.

Yesterday, she texted me on the way home from school about an incident that happened. Nothing serious. Basically the frustration of group work where only a couple of the group members are doing all the work and the irritation that comes along with it. So, when she requested a “mental health day” I thought it may have something to do with the day before.

It took a little probing before she could name the reason why she needed the day off. That’s also one of the “mental health day” rules: talking out what you are feeling until you can give the thing bothering you a name. We decided that our first plan of action for the “mental health day” was to spend a bit of time reading a book. We both picked a book and sat in silence together reading. Her book was about a girl that lived in Kansas and was traveling to an amusement park in Arizona. She paused to look at our map and get a sense of the distance the girl was traveling. Next, we did a little yoga followed by some mindful meditation to remind us that we have control of our actions and feelings no matter what other people do.

By lunch time, spirits were higher, and we discussed the girl traveling in her book over a bowl of soup. Our discussion led to us naming places we want to travel to and how traveling makes us feel. Overall, it makes us feel wonderful!

It is easy to forget in the crazy rush of life that we all need breaks, resets, silent time together and, sometimes, active time apart. When our minds are rushing on our task-oriented life, we forgo our own feelings and struggles and those of the people around us. Even the most important little lives in our life.

What’s this have to do with Traveling? Leisure travel causes the beneficial disruption we all need in the routine. It is packed full of mental health benefits. Just the thought of exploring an unexperienced place or relaxing on the beach instantly produces all the happy neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine and serotonin. Not only does it cause these reactions, but it lasts much longer than an instant gratification of purchasing an item that typically loses value. Traveling gives you all the excitement of planning, the wonder of the actual trip and the memories that only become more cherished over time.

The mental health benefits of traveling are extensive:

•  Reduces stress: Traveling offers a break from daily routines, helping to lower stress levels and promote relaxation

•  Boosts mood: New experiences, whether it’s exploring new places or trying new activities, can trigger positive emotions and improve overall mood.

•  Improves mental flexibility: Exposure to new environments and cultures helps the brain adapt to unfamiliar situations, fostering cognitive flexibility.

•  Enhances creativity: Exploring new places can inspire new ideas and spark creativity, benefiting both kids’ and adults’ problem-solving skills.

•  Promotes mindfulness: Traveling encourages being present in the moment, which helps develop mindfulness, reducing anxiety and enhancing mental clarity.

•  Strengthens relationships: Traveling together as a family or group fosters stronger bonds, communication, and shared memories that can boost emotional well-being.

•  Encourages physical activity: Whether walking around a city or hiking in nature, traveling often leads to more physical activity, which is beneficial for mental health.

•  Expands perspective: Experiencing different cultures and environments helps cultivate empathy and broader perspectives, leading to greater emotional resilience.

•  Offers a sense of adventure: The excitement and thrill of discovering new places can help reignite a sense of joy and curiosity, especially in children.

•  Improves sleep: Getting away from the pressures of daily life and being in a relaxed environment can help reset sleep patterns, reducing sleep-related anxiety.

It is time to take time for you. Offer yourself a “mental health day” or, better yet, a mental health vacation. Gather your family, grab a friend, or embrace the beauty of solo traveling.  Look at a map, pick a destination and travel!

For all your travel planning needs, contact Journey Signs Travel, LLC.