10 Benefits Travel Has On Your Health
Since the first commercial flight in 1914, aviation and travel have come a very long way. What used to take a matter of days, weeks, or even months, can now be achieved in a few hours. Travelling is all about seeing our wonderful world, immersing ourselves in different cultures, and trying new things, some of which we wouldn't normally try at home. That dreaded final day at work before your due to head-off on your next adventure comes with a sense of excitement.
However, what most people don't realise, behind the fun and excitement of travelling, is that their physical and mental health can be enhanced, even if subconsciously. And yes, it is scientifically proven! So let's dive into 10 benefits travel has on your health.
1. It Can Boost Job Performance & Reduce Burnout
At one point or another, we have felt a lull in our jobs, and simply had enough. Travelling allows us to break free from our daily routine, take a break from our work, and overall reduce the risk of burnout. This may be the most important aspect of travel, because even if we are working in a job we love, burnout can still occur. Travel gives us a break from the daily grind and it reaps massive rewards.
2. Increases Antibodies And Defends Against Disease
Yup, travel has been shown to increase antibodies within our immune system. When travelling, our bodies are exposed to many different environments, diseases, and surroundings, therefore helping it adapt to thousands, if not millions, of new bacteria.
Of course, it goes without saying, practicing good hygiene should remain a priority, and especially now more than ever, however, being around many environments helps strengthen your immune system.
3. Promotes Physical Activity
We all lead busy lives, so any vacation time should be spent relaxing, but also catching up on things we didn't have a chance to do before...such as physical activity. If you are in a resort, chances are there will be tennis courts, a pool, maybe even a squash facility, and a gym, so go ahead and make an hour to exercise, and earn your keep for the buffet! Or, if you are exploring a city, walking around everywhere will be enough exercise, as this is probably more than you do in your normal daily routine.
4. Improves Brain Health
When we travel, we meet new people, are exposed to many different cultures, and sometimes required to learn the basics of a different language. These aspects of travel are invaluable for our brains, and it also allows you to become more culturally and globally aware. Ultimately, travelling increases creativity, cultural awareness, and in turn, personal growth.
5. Increases Appeal To Others
If someone is culturally and globally aware, people will be automatically drawn to that person. Basically, travelling allows you to become a more interesting person. Be it crazy stories, rare experiences, or just being informed of happenings around the world, it is just human nature that people will want to be around you.
6. Heal Naturally
Whatever physical or mental tiredness, or stresses you are feeling can be naturally healed through travel. While it may seem like a marketing ploy to some, mineral baths and even travelling to specific locations for specific healing, can reap massive rewards. From the popular mineral baths of Iceland to the remote highlands of Bali, mother nature is waiting to heal us.
7. Increases Mental Toughness
Travelling can expose us to the best and worst in our world, and it can teach us that not everything is white sandy beaches and Piña Coladas all day long. Being in and around cultures that are different than ours really make you comprehend what is going on before your eyes.
Speaking from experience, I had finished school, living at home for the last 17 years, all I wanted to do was live in another country. When I was 18, I packed up and moved to a different country where I didn't speak the language, nor any family or friends. It was a humbling, yet rewarding experience, and while it was scary at the time, it made me a lot more culturally aware of the giant world around me. I don't regret one moment.
8. Stress Reliever
It's 4:59 pm on your final day before your holiday and you've just been asked to finish one more job before you head off. You frantically work as fast as you can and then head home. The next day you jump on a plane or in your car and set off into the sunset, ready to explore your chosen destination.
Regardless of which setting you choose, be it a relaxing beach holiday or bustling city escape, you will automatically feel less stressed. Not only that, but once you return to work, and indeed your home life in general, you will feel much less inclined to let things stress you out.
9. Strengthen Relationships
Travelling with a loved one or friends has been shown to increase and strengthen the rapport. It allows people to destress together, as well as ride the high times as one. As a result, going through the good and bad times together will only bring people closer together. A study by the Arizona Department of Health concluded that women who travelled with their spouses were much happier with their marriage!
10. Increases Life Expectancy
The above 9 points culminate into the 10th. Reducing stress, strengthening relationships, and our immune system, becoming more culturally aware, and maintaining job performance will ultimately lead to an increased life expectancy, which means...more time for travel!
Final Thoughts
There is never a dull moment while travelling. Plan your trip accordingly so you have ample time for sightseeing or some physical activity, and sufficient rest and relaxation. Doing so will enable you to make the most out of your travels whilst taking a break from the norm that is your day-to-day routine back home.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned a thing or two! If so, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and let me know some travel-related topics you would like me to write about. Alternatively, let's just have a chat! I am looking forward to reading your messages.
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