6 Reasons Why Travel Will Improve Your Wellbeing
Whether you’re a student feeling the pressure of full time study, an overwhelmed employee on the brink of a breakdown, a survivor of a traumatic life event or simply an everyday soul in search of new experiences, travel is an incredible way to enrich your life. With the power to enchant, educate and amaze, travel can become a life-changing addiction. Not only is travelling an effective way to destress and recharge, it goes hand-in-hand with an abundance of physical health benefits.
Looking for an excuse to hit the road? Here are six reasons why travel will improve your wellbeing.
1. Travel is kind to your heart
Research from the landmark Framingham Heart Study has shown that men who don’t treat themselves to a holiday every few years are 30% more likely to have a heart attack. Similarly, women who travel only once every six years increase their risk by eight times. The moral of the story: be kind to your heart and travel
2. Travel encourages you to be healthy
Even for the most abhorrent of gym bunnies, travel is a dynamic way to improve your physical health. Paired with a balanced diet, travelling can help you stay in shape and perhaps even shed a few pounds. Vacationing in warmer climates known for their humidity encourages the body to sweat out any toxins. Plus, the hot temperatures will have you guzzling more water, which aids weight management. Consequently, you’ll feel less inclined to snack and may see a marked difference in physical appearance as a result of this cleaner lifestyle.
3. Travel lifts your mood
It may not be the most recent of studies, but back in 2002 professors at the University of Surrey confirmed that people hit peak happiness when anticipating a trip. Drawing on data from British tourists, researchers found that individuals with a holiday on the horizon enjoyed a heightened sense of wellbeing, as well as increased positivity towards their physical health, family life and economic situation. For your overall wellbeing, the lead up to your getaway is one of the most important parts of travelling.
4. Travel changes your mindset
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the vicious cycle of ownership, comparison and wealth acquisition. Sustainable travel can reverse the effects of living in a material world by teaching you to live with less and appreciate what you have. Researchers from Cornell University confirmed this notion in a recent study. They found people obtain more happiness from anticipating a travel experience than from anticipating the possession of something they’re going to buy or acquire. An ideal time to pack your bags for a trip is after setting your New Year’s travel resolutions; focus on gaining positive experiences instead of gaining possessions.
5. Travel pushes you out of your social comfort zone
The thought of jetting off to a foreign land can be somewhat overwhelming. But meeting large groups of people or being in confined spaces can either be seen as terrifying obstacles or exciting challenges. Travel has a way of spinning negative feelings into reasons to be happy. One guarantee is that travel connects you with new people and opportunities to share exciting times together. Research has confirmed that social networks are just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to physical wellbeing and expanding your sense of self.
6. Travel creates long-lasting memories
It’s true good memories stay with you for eternity, but looking back on photos of your travel experiences provides a more unique way of reliving your adventures. Creating a photo diary online or in print can be used to reminisce happy moments when you need a mood booster. Publishing photos on a personal social account also acts as a conversation piece when a friend or colleague asks to hear about your travels. Travel photos inspire people. Your creation may cause a ripple effect on others, who, much like you, are looking for an excuse to get out and explore the world.
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- 6 Reasons Why Travel Will Improve Your Wellbeing - June 14, 2016
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