Healing Your Mental Health with Travel

Travel as an activity has evolved over centuries. Our ancestors during the Stone Age traveled in search of food, water, and shelter. A few centuries later, explorers like Columbus and his cohorts traveled from Britain to discover America to establish their rule over the land. Cut to the present, people travel for recreation, work, and to attend worldly affairs (Big leaders and politicians), visit their kin, and the list goes on. However, in recent times, travel has become a gargantuan affair for people as they travel to make up for lost time (Revenge Travel), curate rare experiences (Experiential Travel), staycations, workations, backpack travel or budget travel, and leisure travel.

Recent styles or types of travel come in all forms and have one prominent idea. The idea is to get away from regular life. Life in the 21st century has become so fast and grueling that we forget to live. Professional, social, and personal lives have gotten complicated and tangled in each other and anyone could be left with impacts and lasting impressions that get worse with time. This is when traveling becomes the need of the hour. As it helps you take a break and experience something new that becomes therapeutic.

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” ― Samuel Johnson

Is your work stressful? Do you feel bored at home? Or just want to hit a pause button on your tedious schedule? Here are 5 ways travel is therapeutic and will help you bounce back from your urban drain:

In today’s fast-paced world, many people experience high levels of stress due to the demands of work, family, and social life, as well as constant exposure to technology and digital media. As a result, there has been an increasing interest in wellness travel as a way to disconnect from the digital world, relax, and recharge.

Stress can be a significant barrier to spiritual healing, as it can create mental and emotional blocks that prevent individuals from exploring their spirituality and inner selves.

By traveling to a new and peaceful environment, away from the stressors of daily life, individuals can create the conditions necessary for spiritual exploration and growth. Travel can serve as an escape from the stresses of daily life, allowing individuals to take a personal check-in and realign with their definition of a happy and meaningful life. It’s not always about seeing new places, but also about leaving old ones that may have a negative impact. Taking a break from the daily hustle and bustle is vital for mental relaxation, rejuvenation, and happiness, helping to alleviate stress and redirect focus from stressful situations.

Travel has been a traditional means of physical recuperation and healing for a long time, with a history that is not without its confusion and misconceptions. In India, centuries ago, people would travel to destinations such as the Himalayas or the banks of the Ganges River, seeking spiritual and physical renewal. This continues today, as people from major cities look to escape the polluted and overcrowded conditions for cleaner air and natural surroundings.

A journey to the mountains and hill stations like Shimla and Ladakh in the north and Kodaikanal and Munnar in the South or the beach in Goa and Pondicherry can provide much-needed relief from the daily exposure to city pollution and stress, promoting physical and mental wellness. It is no wonder that many find themselves feeling better after just a few days spent in nature.

Traveling can be a therapeutic way to deal with grief and major life changes. It is a well-known fact that many memoirs and movies document the use of travel for this purpose. However, beyond these popular accounts, many people have their personal stories of using travel to distance themselves from failed relationships or to find solace after losing a loved one. The act of traveling gives individuals a break from their everyday lives and allows them to focus on something new and different, providing an opportunity for reflection and healing.

Additionally, travel offers a multitude of opportunities for inspiration and emotional healing. By exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures, individuals can broaden their perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Nature also plays a significant role in this process, with hiking through the beautiful landscapes of the Grand Canyon in Arizona allowing individuals to appreciate the beauty of nature and find peace within themselves.

Finally, overcoming the challenges that often arise during travel, such as navigating unfamiliar territory or facing language barriers, can give individuals a sense of accomplishment and a boost of confidence that can last long after the trip has ended.

For many travelers, visiting significant religious landmarks can be a source of comfort and inspiration. This can include places like the Holy Land, the Ganges River, Mecca, monasteries, or temples. Some may also choose to take part in meditation or prayer retreats, or even travel to religious theme parks. Seeking spiritual sustenance and regeneration through travel has been a long-standing human impulse.

The act of making a pilgrimage is a clear example of this, with many major religions including some type of pilgrimage as a core experience. Many of these pilgrimages continue to be important today, such as immersing oneself in the Ganges for Hindu believers, praying at the Wailing Wall for Jews, visiting the Vatican for Catholics, or journeying to the birthplace of Buddha. These spiritual journeys can provide a powerful sense of connection to one’s faith, as well as a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Certain places have a special power to deeply touch our spirits and souls, and draw us in for profound healing experiences. These destinations exude positive energy and authentic warmth, often through the beauty of nature, the cultural artifacts left by civilizations before us, or the people who call those places home.

For instance, the town of Ubud in Bali is renowned for its community-oriented way of life, with vibrant dance, music, and rituals that celebrate the spirit. Visitors to Ubud often find themselves deeply enchanted by the town’s atmosphere of creative and spiritual inspiration.

Another example of a community-oriented destination is the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, which showcases impressive ruins of an old civilization and Bedouin hospitality that invites visitors to connect with the local culture. These destinations offer a unique opportunity to connect with the local community and find solace and inspiration for the soul.

It’s essential to take some downtime! Many people underestimate the powerful regenerative effects of simple idleness and the tremendous benefits that come from time away from the daily grind. When we’re constantly caught up in mundane concerns and surrounded by friends and colleagues, it’s easy to feel drained and depleted.

Stress is a real problem that can have insidious effects, especially in our fast-paced modern lives. We’ve all experienced the frustration of being stuck in traffic or dealing with other everyday stresses. But when you take the time to indulge in certain types of travel, such as a week at a beach or spa, or reconnecting with nature in the mountains or forest, you’ll find that the physical manifestations of stress simply fall away.

In fact, failing to take a break can have serious consequences, including worsening health, decreased productivity, and diminished creativity. So don’t wait — prioritize your down time and plan a vacation that will allow you to reset and come back stronger than ever!