The transformative power of travel

We all dream of that invigorating adventure that breaks us from the shackles of the monotonous daily grind; to take a step away from domesticity and delve into the unknown (or known) in an act of glorious rejuvenation.

There may be some residual guilt involved in such a decision; after all, good things rarely come without a price, and in the case of travel that can be literal. The impetus to splash out on a fun getaway may be quenched by financial insecurity or simply the fear of shaking things up.

However, beyond the thrill of a scenic excursion lies a profound connection between travel and mental health, and to diminish the restorative effects of a successful holiday would be remiss. If anything, your body and spirit is calling out for wanderlust! It’s an inherent human drive to explore; to venture out and chase new horizons.

Travel is a necessary component to a healthy lifestyle, so below are but a few of the many reasons why travelling does wonders for your mental health…

It provides excellent stress relief

When we embark on a journey, we step away from the regimented routines and obligations that weigh us down in everyday life. We may come to associate the familiarity of our environment with reoccurring stressors and thus immersing oneself into a new environment can be incredibly refreshing.

As a result of relinquishing our worries, we become more engaged in the present moment: this is not dissimilar to the practice of mindfulness, which has been demonstrably proven to improve wellbeing.

According to a survey conducted in 2013, more than 80% of those studied noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of travelling! In fact, other research indicates that even looking forward to a planned vacation may reduce the effects of stress, as well as being associated with a lower risk of job burnout.

Appropriately, most vacations involve a healthy dosage of sunshine which, in itself, is a great stress reliever – granting you a dose of mood-boosting vitamin D and increasing the brain’s production of serotonin, also known as the ‘happy hormone’!

It strengthens your bond with loved ones

There’s little else that strengthens a connection quite like shared experiences, and travelling with a loved one is one of the most rewarding pleasures of life. When you journey with someone else, you cultivate a treasure trove of memories that become interwoven in the fabric of your relationship.

It’s not uncommon to feel closer to your loved ones after a vacation. Research shows this time and time again: “Couples who travel together have healthier, happier relationships compared to those who do not”, one survey reported, another found ‘women who took two or more vacations per year had a higher level of marital satisfaction’.

Away from the distractions and duties of daily life, couples can invest in greater quality time together – from meaningful conversations, shared activities or just simply enjoying each other’s company, the uninterrupted time allows for a more authentic connection.

It improves your fitness

Whether or not your vacation involves a lot of physical exertion, you will almost invariably find yourself more active than you would’ve been at home! Be it simply walking through new cities, visiting landmarks or hiking amongst natural beauty, these small accomplishments in physical activity should not be overlooked.

Many who travel will also engage in sporting activities, be it cycling, swimming, rock climbing or surfing – this kind of high-intensity exertion challenges your body, activates your muscles and reinvigorates your body.

This may not necessarily be news to you, but the impact of physical activity on one’s mental health is dramatic and well-documented: regular exercises releases ‘endorphins’, also known as the ‘feel-good hormones’, which serve to purge stress, elevate your mood and enhance overall wellbeing.

It changes your outlook on life

Whether you find yourself in the midst of towering mountains, pristine beaches, or vast expanses of wilderness, the beauty and power of nature can evoke a potent sense of awe: it becomes increasingly difficult to become entrenched in worry when faced with such grand sights, and suddenly the broader picture and the sheer scope of possibilities becomes unmistakably apparent.

Not only that, but experiencing new cultures and different ways of living can open your mind to new ideas and perspectives. It’s not uncommon to be inspired by a new dish, aesthetic, or tradition and thus incorporate it into your life. Engaging and befriending locals can also foster empathy and understanding; breaking down the barriers that separate us, all of which perfectly segue into the next point…

It enhances creativity

Opening your mind to new ideas and perspectives reawakens the imaginative part of your brain. Routine and familiarity allow your mind to become complacent; docile in the face of unchanging regimentation, however, travel invites spontaneity, fostering the ideal environment to nurture your creative side!

Many artists and writers famously travelled to gain inspiration for their work – Van Gogh’s most notable paintings such as ‘Starry Night’ and ‘Sunflowers’ were cultivated by the muses he sought in Paris, Arles, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, whereas Mark Twain’s journeys along the Mississippi River and his extensive travels in Europe and the Middle East inspired his storytelling and infused his works with worldly wisdom and social commentary.

Professor Adam Galinsky from Colombia Business School has written extensively about the link between travel and creativity: “Foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth…”, the key, he states, is engaging with the culture, adding that “someone who lives abroad and doesn’t engage with the local culture will likely get less of a creative boost”.

It lowers your risk of depression

We all know seclusion and isolation are antithetical to one’s mental health, and there’s no better example of this than the effects of the pandemic… according to a study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, lockdown served to triple national depression rates.

We all need variety in our lives; a suitably diverse mix of stimuli to keep our brains firing on all cylinders, and travelling somewhere new provides that in spades. The research only confirms it: in a recent study, experts found that 10 extra days of paid leave decreased the likelihood of depression in women by 29%!

That’s no meagre figure either! We all know that primitive mankind was a nomadic species –hunting, gathering and exploring; our inherent lust for discovery and adventure may have been quelled by modernity but it’s only dormant, our biology remains the same, so take a leaf out of your ancestor’s book and get out into the world!

It gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself

It’s not difficult to become stuck in a rut, or have our identities shaped by the limited scope of the surrounding area. Passivity breeds stagnation and a sense of being ‘stuck in our ways’, but when leave your comfort zone and experience the multifarious tapestry of the world, you begin to break down your ego and rebuild your sense of self with a fresh perspective.

One of the most transformative aspects of travel is its ability to build confidence and increase self-esteem. Venturing somewhere new takes courage, and you will invariably encounter a multitude of situations that require adaptability, problem-solving, and self-reliance: from overcoming language barriers, navigating unfamiliar cities, and connecting with strangers… overcoming these obstacles is rewarded by a greater sense of independence; the internalised knowledge of your own capabilities.

Oftentimes, when one is travelling long distances, we find ourselves becoming lost in deep reflection. A scenic backdrop can instil a sense of peaceful optimism, allowing our thoughts to drift into more positive affirmations. Embracing deep introspection can be an enlightening process: we can question beliefs, evaluate our priorities, and gain a deeper understanding of our true selves, empowering us to pursue a more fulfilling life path.

There are a multitude of reasons why travelling is beneficial for the body, the mind and the soul; it’s a restorative burst of inspiration that recalibrates us, helps us decompress and opens us to new possibilities. So the next time you feel sequestered in the monotony of daily routine and yearn for that refreshing escape, take a leap of faith and explore the world outside!

At Odyssey World, our itineraries are curated specifically to lift the surrounding areas; benefiting the community, economy and environment through sustainable practices. To find out more, browse our destination pages or contact us directly to make an enquiry: either email us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or make a call!