How Traveling Can Boost Your Health And Well-Being

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If you have the opportunity to travel, do it. If you do not have the opportunity, try and find a way to make traveling a reality. There are a plethora of benefits to traveling that most people do not realize. In fact, traveling can help boost your mental health.

Traveling also exposes you to different cultures, and the educational influences of traveling are endless. Visiting countless museums and absorbing the cultures of various societies can help shift your perspective of the world. It helps you understand how small you are compared to the entire world.

1. Travel boosts your immune system.

   I know this might sound like a stretch, but it is proven! When you travel, you constantly expose yourself to different antibodies. Antibodies are little proteins that protect your immune system from harmful pathogens. In fact, research shows that exposing your body to minor illnesses helps your body and gut strengthen. While you should still practice basic hygiene on the road, having some new bacteria in your life is not a bad thing. Your body adapts to thousands of new bacteria which in turn makes it stronger.

2. Travel is great for your mental health.

   Whether it is depression or stress, travel is scientifically proven to increase your happiness, decrease your depression, and lower your anxiety. A study revealed that three days after vacation, travelers felt less anxious and in a better mood. These improvements last for quite a few weeks after you return too.

4. Travel improves your brain health.

   Travel is great for expanding your mind. You meet new people along the way and adapt to new circumstances. You become more globally and culturally aware. This is ideal for your health because experiencing new things keeps your mind sharp. Studies have even shown a connection between travel and a boost in creativity. According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, those who travel frequently tends to me more open minded.

5. Travel will decrease your risk of heart disease.

   Stress can lead to many diseases in the body including heart disease. Travel allows the stressed individual to take time away and reduce stress. The less stress a person has in their life, the lower their risk for heart disease. Studies found that men and women who traveled yearly were less likely to suffer a heart attack or develop heart disease.

6. Traveling is healing.

   Traveling can be a healing experience, especially since there are any healing sites that offer immense stress relief. For example, temples in Bali or natural hot healing spring of Iceland, Turkey or Costa Rick. These areas rely on Earth’s healing properties. Some famous energy points include Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt, but there also areas in Arizona famous for their beauty and healing.

Personally, traveling has been a treasure and a gift throughout my entire life. I would not be the person I am today without my traveling experience. In recovery, it is important to open yourself to new experiences. Traveling does not have to be costly. It can simply be a road trip out of town. How are you going to implement traveling into your life?

Remember, the healing process continues after recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call now 1-800-777-9588. We want to help.