Scientific Reasons why Travel makes you Happier and Stronger

There have been many studies carried out on how travel can be a massive mental health boost for everyone.

Ever feel like you are stuck in a rut? Working too hard?

Stressed out because your mind is in a twirl and your capacity to process information is diminished?

We have all experienced this feeling, where we get to that point that have to get out of the house and crave a change of scenery, even if it is just a couple of hours down the road, this can work wonders.

It has been scientifically proven that travel provides several benefits to your mental health.

Here are a few examples, as to why it may be worth packing your suitcase!

Creativity Booster :

Because of the way our brains are wired, it means our brains are sensitive to change, and influenced by new environments and experiences. We have many clients, including families with children, who become immersed in the culture in their destination and engage with its local culture.

This open-mindedness can help you and your children to embrace different ways of living on your own, in turn influencing your outlook on life.

Many of my clients love the experiential type of holiday for them and their families, instead of sitting on a sunbed by the pool, potentially anywhere in the world or even at home.

Age Healthily :

Challenge the brain by travelling to new and different experiences and environments.

This can then become a part of life that will promote and enhance brain health and resilience.

Also, studies have shown that those who did not go regularly were more at risk of heart attack or disease. Men who did not go on holiday for several years were 30 per cent more likely to suffer a heart attack compared to men who did not take time off. Women who holidayed only once every six years or less were also eight times more likely to develop or suffer from a heart attack or disease compared to women who vacationed at least twice a year.

Change your personality:

If you are travelling to a foreign country and out of your comfort zone, you often have to adapt to those differences.

This can make you more open by raising awareness of your personality. This can also make you less emotional and less reactive in day-to-day challenges back home.

Studies have shown that this can help make you more agreeable within your social networks.

Relieve Stress :

Although missing a connecting flight or losing baggage in a foreign airport is sure to boost your anxiety, travelling, in general, has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels, dramatically.

Don’t live your life ‘on repeat’.

Escape the daily stresses and commitments of everyday life, by travelling., thus offering novelty and change in the form of new people, sights, and experiences.

Try new activities and experiences to free up and reset your mind and body and enjoy some stress relief. We have clients who love therapy activities at home but love to take these activities abroad also. Imagine a sunrise Yoga sun salutation on a Californian beach or a fantastic well-being retreat in a hidden Thailand Spa resort.

A study has also found that women who holiday at least twice a year are less likely to suffer from depression and chronic stress than women who go on holiday less than once every two years.

Pre-travel boost:

The effects of travel are not felt only during and after your trip – in fact, even the anticipation of going on holiday can boost your mood. People are at their happiest when they have a holiday planned. My clients love this build-up of raised anticipation levels.

Studies have also found that we get more happiness from anticipating a travel experience, in comparison to buying a new possession. I bet you can remember that magical holiday, wedding abroad, or perfect honeymoon with more joy than when you bought that last item for your home?

It turns out that money can buy you happiness, but just not as we expected!

Strengthen your relationships:

Travelling with your significant other can strengthen your relationship and improve your mental well-being and self-esteem.

Results have shown that not only does travel have long-term effects for couples, such as an increased closeness and perception of shared interests and goals, but it helps maintain relationships and re-ignite that romantic spark.

Not only do you enjoy some quality time together and new experiences, but overcoming the elements of travelling together, such as planning the trip and making any compromises, can help bring you closer together and make you a stronger couple.

Lizzie xxx

References: Colombia Business School, US Travel Association, Cornell University, University of Surrey, Marshfield Clinic, Global Coalition on Aging.