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In this post, we’ll take a brief look at current figures on mental health in the UK before going on to consider the importance of travelling somewhere new for our mental wellbeing, and reasons why travel is so important for our happiness.
Did you know that around 1 in 4 people living in the UK will experience a mental health problem this year, with around 1 in 6 experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety or depression) on a weekly basis?
Travel: an unlikely therapist
While there is no substitute for professional medical advice and you should speak to your GP or find a therapist near you if you’re experiencing any mental health issues (you might find an online therapist useful if you’re unable to leave your house at the moment), recent research suggests that the importance of travel for our mental health is now more significant than ever.
While you might benefit from undertaking professional counselling with a licensed mental health therapist (such as those listed on an accredited website like BetterHelp), many people find that travel supports their mental wellbeing and offers a form of emotional detox that talking-based treatments, spiritual therapies (like Transference Healing) and medication simply cannot offer.
[socialpug_tweet tweet="Can travel make you happy? Discover five mental health benefits of travel in @TheRareWelshBit's post. #mentalhealth #travel #travelblogger."]5 reasons why travel is important for our mental health
1. Travel allows us to destress and unwind
With many of us juggling a 9-5 job alongside looking after the family and running other daily errands, day-to-day life can be busy and stressful.
Taking a holiday enables you to escape your daily routine and commitments, giving your body and mind time to relax, destress and unwind.
Unless you’re a travel blogger, that is; in which case, you’ll probably find yourself getting snap happy and visualising blog post content no matter which destination you end up visiting!
2. Travel – especially solo travel – aligns with our quest for wellness
We’re gradually beginning to place more of an emphasis on self-care and travel aligns particularly well with our quest for wellness.
This is especially true for solo travel, which often appeals to those who might be seeking to embark on a journey of self-discovery or to reinvent themselves. With almost 50% of the UK population having travelled solo at least once, travelling alone is more popular than ever.
In a recent survey by Travelzoo, wellness was the top motivation for solo travel, with 15% stressing a desire for self-discovery.
3. Travel encourages us to step outside our comfort zones
Visiting a new country is always an exciting experience; you can watch all the YouTube videos and read all the blog posts and brochures you like, but you’ll never really know what you’ll make of a given destination until you get there.
We all usually need to adapt to some extent when we visit a new destination. Dependent on where you’re travelling to, you may even encounter a new language, infrastructure or traffic system and unfamiliar or unusual customs and traditions.
Dealing with these kinds of challenges in a new environment, among people you’re unfamiliar with, encourages you to take a step outside your comfort zone. In doing so, you’ll boost your self-confidence and become more resilient.
4. Travel enhances creativity
Not only can exploring the unfamiliar and local aspects of a new culture broaden our horizons, but it also helps to improve our cognitive thinking, enhancing our creativity.
So, it looks like there might be a real science behind the idea of a writer’s retreat….BRB, off to book some flights! 😉
5. Travel can make us feel happier
While a sunny getaway doesn’t come with a lifetime-guarantee for happiness, travel is widely believed to make us feel happier.
Enjoying new experiences and taking part in activities that go beyond the confines of everyday life are among the top considerations associated with the importance of travel for our mental health.
For many, the anticipation of an upcoming holiday alone is enough to make us feel more far excited than we’d feel about the prospect of splashing out on material objects, like a new car or a designer handbag.
So, if you’ve been debating treating yourself to a holiday, don’t put it off any longer – book that flight! It’ll do you the world of good. And if you’re still struggling with low mood after your return, speaking with a licensed therapist through BetterHelp could provide extra support in maintaining the mental clarity and joy your travels sparked.
What are your views on the importance of travel for our mental wellbeing? Share your ideas in the comment box below.
Take a look at these other articles while you’re here!
- Disabled Holidays Abroad: Travelling With A Disability
- Work vs. Wanderlust: Balancing Work and Travel
- Sun-damaged Hair: 10 Quick Fixes for Tired Tresses
- Holiday Sickness: 5 Golden Rules to Avoid Getting Ill Abroad
This is a sponsored post.
I throughly I enjoyed this post! I find having a holiday booked in advance gives me something to look forward to short tears especially when I am having those “why am I doing this?” Days at work.
Totally. I went to Grenada for three weeks this summer and did wonders for my mind and soul, but now my holiday happiness bubble is wearing off. I need to book another getaway!
Travel is so important for mental health. I know that both Steve and I always feel much better after some time away.When Steve was off work a while back due to his, we spent some time away and it really helped.
I agree. The change in weather lately has made me feel so down; I am sure I am sensitive to the sunlight. Better book another holiday ASAP, haha.
Travel is just so good for the soul. I felt so happy and well on our last holiday and now we’re home just feel a bit stressed and tired again.
Those swings look AMAZING!!
I know how you feel. I loved those swings! Would be great to go back and swing on them again one day 🙂
I find travel, for the most part, relaxes me…….the airport bit, not so much but it is always worth it when you get there
I totally get what you mean about the airport. Flying can be a very stressful experience!
For me, a holiday is a great way to step away from the usual routine. Reassess what things can be cut out of everyday life and what needs to be changed
Definitely. I only went away a few months ago but I feel like I need another holiday already, haha.
We have focused on short breaks over the last couple of years so that we can have more mini travels, it has definitely helped give us something to focus on, through the low days.
That’s good to hear. My trip to Grenada this year did wonders for my state of mind. It’s been around three months since I got back now though, and I am yearning for another exotic escape. I’m not sure I can afford another trip to the Caribbean just yet, but I’m considering Malta.