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Travel Medicine
Since the early 20th century, travel has become a normalised part of British culture. Given the time, money and energy we spend on exploring new places we must instinctively know it is good for us? However, how often do you think of travel as a self-care tool, specifically for managing mental distress or emotional stress?
Learning Through Experience
As a youngster, I went on many holidays, both nationally and internationally. However I never thought of travel as a way to improve my mental health. That is, until my late 20s, when a hypnotherapist I was training with suggested I travel to a new place, either for a day, a few days, solo or with others – specifically as a way to create a shift towards more optimistic thinking. I was struggling with chronic anxiety at the time and very skeptical it would make any difference. However, with a willingness to try, I decided to take a solo trip to Snowdonia, Wales, where I climbed the Watkin path up the mountain. My attention immediately shifted to planning the trip for the next day. And when I got there, the scenery was breathtaking. I felt totally grounded, present and fully focused. Whatever I was worrying about had completely faded. By the time I returned home, I felt relaxed, happy and more resilient.
Since then, regular travel has become a key part of my self-care routine. Rather than limiting trips to once or twice per year however, I started travelling and exploring new places every month or two. This included going to music events, theatre shows, art exhibitions and hiking, locally, nationally or internationally.
Travel never healed my anxiety – this required therapeutic support. However, reflecting back on all the times that I had travelled when I was stressed or chronically worried, it definitely helped with managing symptoms. Now, it is more a preventative self-care practice that boosts my vitality and facilitates thinking of new ideas.
When I’m travelling I enjoy being active, engaging in walking, spending time in nature, learning about new cultures and religious traditions, and generally maintaining a healthy diet - all of which are proven strategies for boosting mental wellbeing. One of my favourite places that I recently visited is Barcelona. It has a rich and vibrant music and art scene, and a fascinating religious history. The food, shopping and spas are also amazing, especially in the Old Town and Gothic Quarter. A short distance from Barcelona is Montserrat Monastery, located at the top of a stunning mountain. It has restaurants, beautiful hiking trails, a museum, basilica, and a famous pilgrimage route going to the Santa Cova caves. One of my favourite events is the boys’ choir, which takes place at 1pm most days. Following are some videos and pictures of my trip:
Studies of Travel Medicine
From the research that I’ve read, studies suggest that travelling can have numerous health benefits from reducing stress, improving mood, increasing tolerance and open-mindedness, to facilitating problem solving, increasing a sense of personal growth, improving sleep, and strengthening bonds.
Although travel research is still in its infancy, and the precise mechanisms that may boost wellbeing are not clearly known, it is nevertheless an intervention that we can apply and explore for ourselves.
Practical Tips For Travel as Self-Care
Whether you’re feeling stressed due to environmental stressors, worried about something past or present, or just feeling the blues, perhaps try exploring a new place you’ve not been to before? If you choose travel as a regular self-care tool for improving your mental health, then here are a few tips to consider:
- Travel need not be once or twice a year, short regular trips, locally, nationally or internationally can be just as effective.
- Engage in activities you enjoy
- Where possible, incorporate proven self-care methods such as walking, nature, learning something new, and healthy food.
- Avoid travelling with toxic people – this can cancel out any health benefits
- Depending on where you go and for how long, especially if you have a chronic condition, then take the time to plan and prepare your trip.
Final Thoughts
Travel has proven to be a powerful self-care routine for enhancing my wellbeing. A growing body of studies also suggests it can be a form of medicine for the mind and body – although not a replacement for therapeutic support. If circumstances permit, try travelling regularly and exploring new places. With the right preparation, you may even discover it is more than just a temporary escape.
Wishing you health and happiness.
Sadaf
🙂
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