This one might not come as a big surprise to you; travel is, of course, a great stress buster. That’s the reason why “vacation” and “travel” are almost synonymous. Research shows that travel reduces stress, keeps your body healthy inside and out, and boosts brain health. And these improvements don’t just disappear overnight; their effect lasts for days and weeks afterward.
Let’s look at how travel can benefit you in other ways – healthwise.
1. Traveling keeps you fit.
Nowadays travel often means sitting motionless for hours on end in moving vehicles, but it also opens up lots of opportunities that force you to be active. Our purpose in traveling is to try out new things and see all that there is to see — so we’re more likely to walk around a new city, hike to get to the best views or even attempt an adventure sport. Even if you plan to while away the whole day at the beach, walking barefoot on sand will have your muscles work twice as hard.
2. Travel can boost your immune system.
When you go places, your body is exposed to and adapts to thousands of new bacteria, which it turn makes it much stronger. Exposure to some dirt and minor illnesses actually makes your body and gut stronger. Travel takes you places, exposes you to different environments, that helps create stronger antibodies. Obviously, you shouldn’t be avoiding basic hygiene on the road — wash your hands, a little hand sanitizer at times, etc. Having some new bacteria in your life isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
3. Travel improves your mental health.
Travel expands your brain set. You see new places, meet new people, adapt to new situations, become more globally and culturally aware. These new experiences increase cognitive flexibility, sharpening your mind. Studies have proven a connection between travel and a deeper sense of cultural awareness, along with an increase in creativity and personal growth. Evidently, those who travel and study abroad tend to be more open and emotionally stable.
4. Visit places with healing properties.
Energy vortexes — are places where ‘anything that flows,’ be it the wind, water or electricity. These are places where earth’s powers converge to heal and rejuvenate. When you get to visit these healing sites – for example the natural hot springs of Costa Rica, Iceland or Turkey – soaking in the mineral-rich waters can improve your complexion, relieve pain and stress, etc. Some prominent energy points include Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt, and vortexes in the United States include Mount Desert Island, Maine, and Sedona, AZ.
All this adds up to an increased chance of living longer while having fun doing it. All forms of travel – be it local or global, contributes to our experiences and enhances our lives.
Related Post: Let Insurance Take Care of Health During Travel
