Contributed by – Healthians Team
Travelling – the word conjures up Instagram worthy images of sun-soaked beaches, misty mountains, culinary delights and a whole lot more. Travelling has become big in India evidenced by the fact that from Shimla to Dubrovnik every destination is now #VacayGoals! But, why are we discussing travelling, well, while you were thinking that vacations are about chilling and relaxing we’ve got some news for you. Science has now proven that travelling has mental, physical and emotional benefits. So here are 7 ways in which travelling can help your mind and body.
Relieves stress and makes you happy
Travelling and vacationing make you happier, that’s a no brainer. Everybody experiences that and now even science has said so. A break from chasing the targets and meeting the deadlines, a break where you get to explore a new city and try its traditional food is bound to release your stress. After the vacation, you’ll find yourself well-rested, less anxious and simply in a better mood. These benefits don’t just disappear when you return to your daily schedule. In fact, studies have shown that even weeks after returning from vacation people had low levels of stress and high levels of productivity.
Improves your immunity
Antibodies in the body help the immune system in neutralizing harmful pathogens. When you travel to a new place, you give your body a chance to interact with millions of new foreign particles and pathogens, different climate, its flora and fauna, etc. This exposure helps your body stock up on antibodies to fight against these new foreign microorganisms which consequently protect you from illnesses in the future. This, however, doesn’t mean taking your personal hygiene lightly.
Promotes physical activity
If your daily routine includes an hour of workout, but you end up sitting on your chair in front of a computer for the rest of the day, you are technically physically active in just that one hour. . However, travelling translates into sightseeing, fun activities, adventure and a lot of walking. This means that you stay active throughout the day. You’ll probably not even notice it, but you’ll be working your muscles nonstop. You’ll be walking more steps, climbing more stairs and burning more calories. So, if you plan on increasing your active hours then travelling is a perfect way to give yourself that push.
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Stress and cardiovascular diseases are related in many ways. A high level of stress becomes the cause of a high level of blood pressure which, in turn, becomes the cause of damaged arteries and poor heart health. Also, your behavioral response to stress, .i.e. smoking, drinking, not exercising, excessive eating are also related to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Travelling can help you reduce this risk because, as we said earlier, it reduces stress and allows you to be physically more active.
Detoxifies the body (from the city toxins)
Living and carrying out day-to-day chores in cities that are extremely congested with smoke takes a toll on our respiratory system. The pollution and toxins that engulf us in cities are becoming the biggest cause of deteriorating health. Cases of diseases like asthma, bronchitis and lung cancer are constantly rising. In such a scenario, travelling to places like green forests, hill stations or beaches that are away from city pollution will give your respiratory system a break from the pollution and a chance to detoxify and recover.
Strengthens brain cells and enhances creativity
Your daily routine doesn’t really exercise your brain much as you do the same activities repetitively. But when you travel you see new places, you meet new people, you indulge in new activities and experience new situations. This exposure helps your brain to adapt to new circumstances, creating new neuronal connections. This means increased cognitive flexibility, emotional stability and better creativity.
Helps in improving sleep quality
We all are guilty of taking our sleep for granted. But the fact remains that it’s an important part of maintaining good health. Lack of sleep can make you irritable and is also linked with various chronic diseases. Travelling can help in improving your sleep pattern as during your travel you’ll be exposed to sunlight for more hours and the use of mobile phones and laptops (which are the major causes of sleeplessness these days) will be comparatively lesser. By the end of the day, you’ll be tired and stress-free and will doze off as soon as you hit the bed. And wake up refreshed and energized the next day.
