Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 10:03 am
How often do you find yourself muttering ‘I need a holiday’? It’s a phrase that we’ve all probably uttered at least once in our lives, however, we’ve probably not always associated the simple statement with much more than working on topping up our tan.
While mental health may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of ‘travel’, if the past year has taught us anything, it’s that looking after our mental health should always be a priority. And, sometimes, that may mean taking a break from the daily grind and experiencing the extraordinary.
While it doesn’t come as a surprise that travel is good for physical wellbeing, large amounts of scientific research suggest that discovering new places can work wonders for both your mental and emotional health as well. In fact, a 2014 Cornell University study found that planning and anticipating a trip can be as enjoyable as going on the trip itself. Which comes as good news when much of the world is still hindered by travel restrictions. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t get excited and feel a little dopamine rush when you anticipate margarita’s on far-flung beaches and spontaneous adventures with newfound friends?! A separate 2010 US study also found that wallowing in anticipation of an upcoming holiday increased feelings of excitement as well – there is good reason for you to be reading books about your travel destination, saving new images as phone screensavers and watching movies that showcase your holiday destination of choice!
If you’re in need of a break from your day-to-day life and are seeking to fulfil your sense of wanderlust at the same time, travel is undoubtedly a fantastic way to revitalise your mind. In addition to excitement related dopamine rushes, here are four other reasons why travel is beneficial for your mental health:
Lowers Stress Levels
Whether you’re battling work deadlines, a long commute or a busy home life, the demands of our daily lives can be filled with many stressful situations.
Taking time away from the day-to-day and exploring new destinations is a great way to de-stress and clear your mind. This fact doesn’t come as too big of a surprise, especially when you look at cruise travel brochures, where you’ll often see couples relaxing on deckchairs, their stress evaporating from them like a fine mist. The distraction of stressful situations that comes as a result of travel leads to lower cortisol levels, leaving you feeling more relaxed and content.
Boosts Creativity
According to Columbia Business School professor Adam Galinsky, immersing yourself in the culture of a foreign destination increases your cognitive flexibility, which results in a boost to your creativity.
Galinsky has also authored many other studies that look into the connection between creativity and international travel. However, he also notes that it’s important to engage with the local environment of the place you’re visiting in order to stimulate creativity; merely visiting a new place isn’t going to make the cut.
Enhances Happiness
As travelling changes your daily grind, it also changes your mood and self-confidence. The experiences help to rewire your brain, resulting in a boost to your mood. According to the Cornell University study, the anticipation of an upcoming trip can increase your happiness more than acquiring a materialistic item like a new car.
Boosts Self-Esteem and Mental Resilience
As much as we’d all love for it to be, travel isn’t always swaying palm trees and spa days. Sometimes, travel can also be navigating crowds in the sweltering heat, getting lost and struggling with language barriers and culture shock. However, while these may seem like intimidating challenges at first, eventually it does toughen your mental health. Dealing with travel-related stress can be very helpful for teaching you how to cope with stress in your everyday life.
Why travelling across the world’s oldest desert will benefit your mental health
Similar to scientific research that has shown that travel is beneficial to mental health, countless studies have also shown an undeniable link between spending time in nature and happiness. Bearing this in mind, by combining your travels with outdoor experiences, one should see a significant increase in wellbeing, health and overall happiness.
The Namib Desert in Namibia is the world’s oldest desert, with seemingly never-ending, empty landscapes that force you to think and reflect. Not only will a trip to Namibia and the world’s oldest desert ail you from the stresses of day-to-day life, it’s an unforgettable journey that will leave an imprint on your memory for years to come.
From the towering orange sand dunes, to petrified forests and wildlife that has adapted to the desert, the Namib desert is the perfect destination for those seeking reflection and a path less travelled.
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While it’s hard to define and truly quantify happiness (its definition differs from person to person), you can’t deny that every time you return home from a new travel experience you feel refreshed and rejuvenated, with a new outlook on life.
How have you found travel to benefit your mental health? Do you agree that it has a positive influence? Let us know in the comments below! If you’re thinking about exploring Namibia as a mental-clarifying destination, be sure to check out our website for Namibia tours with Trafalgar.