Someone once said that travelling is the only thing we spend money on that actually makes us richer. This is true, especially if you’ve been struggling with mental health issues. Aside from trying conventional treatments like psychotherapy and medication, there are other things you should consider if you want to get better, or to just help boost your mental state.
If you’re considering travelling for the sake of your mental well-being, here are the main reasons why you should pack up your bags and get going:
Meet New People
There’s no better way to meet new people and make friends than to take a trip somewhere new. Even if you’re more of an introvert, it’s still useful to talk to those who are slightly different from us. Wherever you decide to go, chances are you’ll meet exciting, interesting people who can teach you something. Whether you travel alone or with a group, making contacts and forging new relationships can be beneficial to your mental health and your self-esteem. And nowadays, thanks to social media, you can stay in touch with your new friends, and maybe meet them again, in a totally different place. Even better, you can invite them to your country and show them your local food and any other places worth exploring.
Exploring New Cultures Can Help You Grow
Wherever you go, you’ll learn something new about that place and people there, that’s an irrefutable fact. Next time you’re travelling someplace else, make sure you do your research beforehand by buying travel guides from places like The Works, and while you’re there, try learning as much as possible. Go to the museums, galleries, restaurants, and if possible, visit locals’ homes for a full experience. Of course, make sure they’re reliable people so you won’t get yourself into any kind of trouble. Try engaging in activities that are popular with the locals. Don’t be shy, because you don’t know when you’ll have another chance to live and have fun like a local. In addition, go and buy all the cool souvenirs so you can gift them to your friends and family back home.
Have A Great Time, But Stay Safe
Travelling by car can be a great adventure but it’s also crucial to stay safe while on the road. Before you get into your car, make sure that it’s properly working so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised if something breaks down during the trip. Since travelling often requires you to take a lot of stuff, it’s recommended to get yourself some portable back seat organizers which can be used to neatly store your belongings and still use them whenever it’s necessary. That way you can store maps, food, important documents, emergency clothes, cosmetics, and even toys if you travel with your children. Aside from these, it’s also advisable to get yourself travel and health insurance so you’ll be covered in case something happens.
Eating New Food Can Show You A Whole New World
Even if you’re a picky eater, you can still find something to try while abroad. There are too many dishes to choose from, you just need to be brave and to stay away from fast food chains like McDonald’s or Burger King, since their food is the same all over the world. Instead, visit local restaurants or even street vendors but before you do, make sure that their food is safe to consume. Safety issues aside, if someone offers you something that doesn’t look attractive, go on and try it, because you might be surprised by the taste! Maybe it’s your last time in that country, so make sure you try all the food you can find there. And on top of that, you can get the inspiration to cook when you go back home!
It’s Good For Your Health Overall
Aside from boosting your mental health, travelling can benefit your physical health, too. Taking trips also requires a lot of physical movement which in return promotes the health of your heart and other internal organs. Hiking, mountain climbing or simply exploring a new city on foot can significantly reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Also, it’s important to stress that mental and physical health are connected and cannot exist without each other.
Working on your mental health is always welcome, but it’s still necessary to work on our physical well-being too, and travelling can definitely help you achieve both. When you go to a new country or a city, always make sure to check for local natural remedies like herbal teas or spices. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover your new go-to product which will boost your circulation or improve your intestines.
These are only some tips that can help you turn travelling into mental health therapy. In order to have a mindful trip, it’s important to open your mind to all the new experiences, and yet stay safe at the same time. If you decide to turn travelling into something regular, soon you’ll start feeling better about yourself and the world around you!
Author Bio
Stella is a graphic designer and illustrator, a lifestyle and beauty blogger and a food enthusiast. She is very passionate about the environment and her hobbies center around her love for nature, yoga and living in balance. Stella loves giving tips about healthy lifestyle and self-development. She is a contributor to several health and lifestyle blogs. You can find more about her writing by following her on Twitter.