All The Health Benefits of Traveling You Should Know
Health Benefits of Traveling
Mental health is unarguably an essential aspect of achieving a fulfilling life. Without good mental health, we cannot enjoy our achievements, family, and living in general. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
One of the significant constraints to mental health is burnout from work. Burnout from employment is a unique form of work-related stress where individuals are in a state of physical or emotional tiredness – a sense of diminished accomplishments, and a loss of their sense of purpose.
A 2021 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that out of 1501 adult workers, a staggering 44% of respondents expressed physical exhaustion, a 38% rise from 2019, along with 36% who claimed cognitive weariness and 32% who experienced emotional exhaustion.
Mental Health Benefits of Traveling
In the long term, these figures can translate to a crisis of burnout in the workforce, and this has a detrimental impact on the economy and society. The number one effect is a reduction in productivity and the quality of output from employees.
From there it is a domino effect where the company profits are affected and their contribution to the economy decreases. Burnout also affects the social happiness of the population which can lead to a lack of empathy among citizens.
On average, the US requires 10 paid vacation days per year for workers while at the discretion of employers, more days can be offered. Employees should heavily consider investing in their mental health by using their vacation time to travel. Traveling has many positive effects that may improve the impact of burnout on one’s mental health. Below outlines some of the benefits of traveling for your mental health.
Learn More About Caribbean Ecotourism
Mental Health Benefits
Travelling Combats the Frustration of Work-Life Repetition
Burnout can directly be caused by the tedious repetition of work and life which can lead to a lack of interest in one’s environment. Traveling opens you the opportunity to meet new people, discover different cultures, and experience new things which might help you develop more empathy for other people. This can improve your tolerance generally, lessen bias, and reduce the feeling of frustration.
Excursions And Seeing New Places Relieves Stress & Improves Energy
Excursions involve many physical activities including swimming, hiking, skiing, and walking. Exercise has been proven to relieve stress and increase dopamine release which improves mood and the outlook on life.
Viewing a beautiful scene, especially a natural environment helps soothe the mind and replenishes physical energy. 94% of respondents in a Harvard Business Review study of more than 400 vacationers reported having the same amount of energy or more when they returned from a successful trip.
Travel Enhances Creativity and Improves Brain Function
Your ability to switch between concepts, think more deeply, and integrate ideas is increased when you immerse yourself in other cultures. How can you not be inspired after taking in a salty breeze on a pearl white sandy beach or crisp fresh air overlooking a distant mountain range? Many destinations can inspire you, and you should let them by using your vacation days to travel and unwind.
Bonus Tips on Traveling
Many countries -some popular vacation destinations are offering Digital Nomads Visas which allows you to work remotely while still being able to live there like a local. Imagine living in a constant state of vacation. This would bring balance to your mental health.
VISAs for remote workers and digital nomads usually last one to two years and can typically be extended. You can find a collection of countries and more information on Citizenremote.com.
Read More: How to Apply For A U.S. Passport to Travel Internationally?
Conclusion
Traveling can certainly have many benefits for mental health, as it allows individuals to take a break from the routine and stresses of everyday life, and to experience new cultures, activities, and environments. Excursions and physical activity can help to relieve stress and improve energy, and immersing oneself in other cultures can enhance creativity and brain function.
Additionally, the opportunity to work remotely as a digital nomad in a new location can provide a sense of balance and allow for a more constant state of vacation. However, it is important to also consider the financial and logistical realities of traveling and to ensure that it is feasible and sustainable for an individual's personal and professional life.
