Today I came here to talk about an important subject that is really interesting to all of us. Travel and mental health: how do these themes relate and why is going on the road and exploring the world important for our minds?
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Are you curious to know the answer? So, stay with us here on the blog The World in Sandwiches and hope you have a great read!
A little about the Yellow September movement
First, I’ll tell you why I chose this topic for today’s post. In the ninth month of the year, the whole world embraces the suicide prevention movement and nothing better than thinking about measures to protect ourselves from mental and emotional illnesses.
Unfortunately, the numbers related to this type of death are frightening, even worse after the pandemic period.
Happily, I had the opportunity to chat with the psychologist Joseane Esteves, who told me about the relationship between travel and mental health, and you will like what I have to share.
Quality of life
According to the professional, when we talk about mental health, we associate it directly to our quality of life. This one is divided into different spheres: balance in our responsibilities, good eating habits, physical activity, rest and leisure.
In other words, when we talk about rest and leisure, we understand clearly the link between travel and mental health. And how important it is the value of these moments of getting out of the routine and disconnecting a bit from obligations and work activities.
“Pausing is necessary and when we talk about travel, I don’t mean only something big. The fact of putting the backpack on your back and taking the road is enough to leave reality, to oxygenate the brain and to live new experiences”, reinforces Joseane.
According to the psychologist, during a trip we activate important areas of our brain. “So, in addition to cognitive development, it also produces well-being and happiness hormones, such as endorphin and dopamine, and awakens pleasures that keep our bodies and minds healthy,” she emphasizes.
Finally, this whole set of benefits is essential to prevent conditions such as depression, anxiety, among others.
Travel and mental health: developing critical skills
One thing we know well: traveling recharges our batteries. But, that’s not all, it helps to develop our emotional abilities that protect us from potentially dangerous diseases.
Every traveler develops the ability to see things from different points of view, and we do so by immersing ourselves in new cultures, for example.
In addition, travel experiences increase our empathy, which is strengthened when we meet new people. Traveling makes us more flexible and clearly increases our self-confidence.
In other words, once again we relate travel and mental health as two positively linked subjects.
And how can we protect our mental health while traveling?
To end this subject, the psychologist brought up a point where we should pay special attention.
Yes! Traveling is good for our mind, but taking some precautions during this experience is also essential to avoid future problems.
Joseane warns about the importance of being healthy before going on the road, to really enjoy the destination. In worrying about details like having travel insurance, for example, so that, in case of unforeseen health problems, you have a medical service to count on.
Wearing clothes that support the local climate is also essential and, in addition, it is very important to have a financial plan to not spend more than we can and, thus, face new debts at the end of the trip.
Finally, the psychologist left an important message: “do not underestimate the importance of rest, even during a trip. In this experience it is also necessary to recharge your energies to live in the best way during your journey.”
Did you like the tips? Travel and mental health, therefore, are directly linked issues. It’s up to us to make the right choices to get the best out of this experience.
See you now in the next post!