You’re tired, you drag yourself out of bed in the morning, and you’re losing your enthusiasm for your job, your hobbies and your social life. You’ve got some vacation time banked, but cash flow is low and you’re wondering if it’s worth the effort to plan to go away.
Between budgets and busy schedules, it’s not easy to set aside time and plan a getaway. But getting away, even for a short period, can do wonders for your well-being. You really cannot afford not to travel.
Making the most of your trip
If you’re offered the chance to go on a business trip, take it. It will build your experience and exposure, and offer an opportunity to temporarily change your work environment.
If you’re setting out on a pleasure trip, make sure you choose the right travel companion. If you’re stuck with a nagging girlfriend or a needy buddy, it might become a stressful experience, negating the potential health benefits.
Sometimes going alone is the thing to do. Doing so will force you to meet and make connections with others, while giving you the freedom to do whatever you choose. Of course, the kind of trip you take makes a huge difference — be sure to tailor it to your preferences. If you get a kick out of sightseeing and know that you would go crazy lounging on a beach all day, then head for a city.
On the other hand, if all you want is soak up some rays while sipping on a beer, then an all-inclusive resort is more likely your thing.
Whether for business or pleasure, travel can offer great gains for your body and mind. Here are some of the health benefits of travel.
1- You’ll Reduce Your Stress
Travel gives you an opportunity to relax and de-stress. It decreases burnout. Even if it’s a business trip that forces you to put in longer hours at a conference, focus on the fact that you’re in another country or city. Traveling can be stressful, especially if your trip consists of a lot of sightseeing, your meetings involve a variety of languages or your destination is a bustling metropolis. But travel stress is positive stress, not the kind of anxiety caused by work or tension related to home life. Stress reduction, however you accomplish it, is always healthy.
2- You’ll Avoid Monotony
As the saying goes, “A change is as good as a rest.” A trip of any kind provides you with a break from the norm, and that alone can inject you with energy. It’s therapeutic to make a change from your daily routine — doing so prevents your mind and body from stagnating.
Hit the great outdoors…
3- You’ll Get Outdoors
When you’re traveling, you’re more likely to be outside instead of trapped inside an office. This means you’ll be out in the fresh air, enjoying the outdoors. Even if you’re not hiking in the mountains or lazing on a hammock on the beach, you’ll be breathing more deeply, re-oxygenating your blood. You’ll also gain benefits from the exposure to sunlight, provided you take necessary precautions to avoid sunburn.
4- You’ll Be More Active
Travel can involve additional activities. Maybe your plans will include whitewater rafting, sightseeing or playing beach volleyball. Unless you want to rest at all times during your vacation, you’ll likely do more walking than you would at home, and generally be much more active than you are in your normal routine.
5- You’ll Enjoy Your Food
Unless you’re on a cruise or at an all-inclusive resort, you’ll likely snack less than you do at home. Eating in restaurants sure beats picking up fast food or microwaving leftovers. You’ll probably try different foods abroad, like sushi, moussaka or couscous. You won’t necessarily watch your portions, carbs or calorie count, but you will enjoy indulging in diverse types of gastronomic delicacies.
6- You’ll Have An Attitude Adjustment
Planning is part of the fun. Having a trip to look forward to can break up the monotony of your 9 to 5 grind, and anticipating the break time ahead will help you to better deal with your current work problems. Once you’ve set out on your trip, it won’t be long before you begin to gain new perspectives. Traveling gives you a whole new appreciation for different cultures and lifestyles, which broadens your horizons and can help you enjoy life that much more. And, depending on your destination, traveling can give you a whole new perspective on your own city.
7- You’ll Meet People
Traveling enables you to meet people from all over the world. Socializing is great therapy and helps you learn about other cultures.
8- You’ll Create Memorable Experiences
If you’re able to visit all the destinations of your choice, you won’t have to regret not having done so later in life. You will feel more fulfilled in the long run. So if you’ve been dreaming about going to Australia, now might be the time.
9- You’ll Reconnect With Your Partner
Travel gives you an opportunity to spend quality time with the lady in your life, without the intrusion of day to day responsibilities. It offers restorative qualities. Relaxing in a hot tub together sure beats fighting about whose turn it is to clean the bathroom.
get packing
Traveling is one of those activities that should never be taken for granted. If you travel a lot, make an effort to focus on the benefits and you’ll enjoy your trips more. When you’re preparing for your vacation, plan it well and then enjoy the ride.
Take advantage of the opportunity to travel and welcome what it does to your body and mind. A trip can be very beneficial to your health, so pack your bags and go. Bon voyage!
Thanks to Askmen for these tips!
