Many say that the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page. Those words ring true in more ways than one, especially regarding your health.
Traveling can have both positive and negative effects on health, but the pros far outweigh the cons for many people. According to science, there are several ways traveling can provide benefits to a person’s overall health and well-being. What are some of these benefits?
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Traveling can be a great way to speed up the rehabilitation and recovery process after an injury or surgery. The change of scenery, new surroundings, and different activities can help keep your mind off your injury or surgery and make the healing process more bearable.
Medical professionals often recommend short trips or vacations for those recovering from an illness or injury. One study even found that patients who took a one-week break after surgery had faster and more complete recovery than those who did not travel.
So, if you or a loved one is recovering from an illness or injury, consider taking a trip to help speed up the healing process.
Boosts Immunity
A robust immune system is key to maintaining good health and preventing illnesses. Surprisingly, travel can help boost immunity. But how is that so?
You get exposed to new environments and different bacteria and viruses when you travel. This exposure can help “train” your immune system to better recognize and fight foreign invaders. Thus, making you less susceptible to diseases and infections.
That’s why it’s not uncommon for people to get sick after returning from a trip. Their body is trying to adjust to the new environment and build immunity. That’s how travel can be good for your health in the long run.
However, it doesn’t mean that you should travel when you’re sick. It’s best to wait until you feel better before hitting the road. This way, you can enjoy your trip and not spread your illness to others.
Relieves Stress
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not surprising that many people are stressed out. But did you know that travel can help relieve stress?
According to the American Psychological Association, taking a vacation can help reduce stress levels. The study participants who took a trip reported feeling more relaxed and less stressed upon returning. That means a break can have lasting effects on your mental health.
The body’s stress response is well-designed to help deal with dangerous situations. And when the body is constantly in a state of stress, it can lead to health problems like anxiety, depression, heart disease, and more. Traveling can help “reset” the body’s stress response and give it a much-needed break.
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, consider taking a trip. It might just be what you need to relax and rejuvenate.
Helps Eliminate Vices
Whether it’s smoking, drinking, or overeating, everyone has vices that they like to eliminate. And while travel can’t magically make those vices disappear, it can help you kick them to the curb.
When you’re traveling, you’re out of your routine. You’re also less likely to indulge in your vices since they’re not easily accessible. This strategy can help you reset your habits and make it easier to break those vices for good.
Especially for heavy drinkers, alcohol detoxification can be a complex process. But traveling can make the process much easier. With less temptation and fewer triggers, you can focus on kicking your addiction. In doing so, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
Improves Mental Health
In addition to relieving stress, travel can also improve mental health in other ways. For instance, a getaway trip can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help increase happiness and life satisfaction.
Additionally, traveling gives people a sense of control and mastery. This feeling can help reduce symptoms of depression. It’s easier to manage your mental health when you feel like you’re in control.
Encourages Physical Activity
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading risk factors for chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, and type II diabetes. But travel can help encourage physical activity and combat these risks.
When you’re traveling, you’re usually more active than usual. Whether hiking, biking, or walking around a new city, you’re getting your body moving. And this increased physical activity can have long-term effects on your health.
Traveling has many scientifically-proven health benefits, such as speeding rehabilitation, boosting immunity, reducing stress, eliminating vices, improving mental health, and encouraging physical activity. There are other potential benefits, making travel an excellent way to enhance your health. So the next time you’re planning a trip, keep these benefits in mind. Your body will thank you.
