Like most people I love to experience something new when I travel, to have my senses heightened by the colours, smells and sounds of a new and unfamiliar city. As well as the excitement of exploring I also like travel to be relaxing, which is why I have grown to love the concept of slow travel, to take the time to calm both my body and my mind. For me travel isn’t just about allowing my body to recover from the daily stresses but to also allow my mental health to take a break.

Read: Finding the Joy in Slow Travel

The concept of travel and mental health isn’t simply about finding a beautiful sunset or meeting a group of people are enjoying a night out. To truly recognise that travel and mental health go hand in hand you must first be familiar and comfortable with your own mental health issues.

For those with mental health issues, travelling can be tough. There have been times where I’ve also cancelled the plans I’ve been looking forward to for months. There have been moments where I’ve almost caught the first flight home because I’d been so panic-stricken upon arrival.

To combat these issues I have come to realise that I need to travel in my own way, not to copy others. I am not a spontaneous person, I do not jump on the next flight and throw caution to the wind. I like to plan, I ensure I am comfortable and happy with my accommodation, and I allow myself time to sit quietly and take things slowly.

Read: Finding Your Own Travel Style

Five Reasons Why Travel is Good For Your Mental Health

1. It Relieves Stress

Taking a break from the stresses of daily life is essential for your mind to relax, recharge and rejuvenate. Even though I’m almost always busy when I travel, from sightseeing to taking photos and just exploring a destination on foot, I’m at my most calm and relaxed when I travel.

2. It Allows You to Reinvent Yourself

The valuable lessons that you learn along the way broaden your perspective, making you more aware and open to new things. I don’t often travel to learn something new but sometimes simply being faced with your own stereotypical views and preconceptions can provide a much needed change in perspective.

3. It Can Simply Make You Happy

Sometimes the simple fact that you don’t have to go to work can be enough to put a smile back on your face. Travelling gives you the opportunity to step away from the daily routine and allow your mood and self-confidence to be boosted. Even the act of planning a trip gives me something to look forward to and brings me happiness.

4. It Can Make You a Little Braver

I was never an adventurous child, my teenage years were filled with anxiety and bouts of depression, and even in my twenties I couldn’t see myself travelling or spending extended periods of time on my own. However, once I realised that I didn’t need the company of others to be happy I began to realise that being in an unfamiliar environment, among new people, forces you to learn and adapt to a life that’s out of your comfort zone. I recently wrote a blog post about how staying in my comfort zone is important but simply stepping foot in a strange place can be a huge accomplishment.

5. It Makes You More Creative.

Travelling has without a doubt rekindled my creativity: writing, photography, reading – walking the streets or unfamiliar places, tasting new food, seeing beautiful landscapes – all of these have boosted my creativity. Even this blog has improved my productivity. However, as previously stated I am not a spontaneous person and so my trips are planned in advance to avoid last minute panic and chaos.

Read: Why Everyone Should Travel Solo

Managing Your Mental Health Between Trips

The first thing you should tell yourself is that your mental health should always be your number one priority and that there are a few ways to manage your stress levels:

•  Cut back on social engagements if you need to
•  Schedule in some quiet/ pamper sessions
•  Take a mental health day from work (take a sick day)
•  Book a day off work and have a duvet/Netflix day

Don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated. You might think that skipping lunch will make you look dedicated and productive, but actually it is more likely to make you tired, lacking in concentration and irritable, which in turn will slowly begin to affect your mental health. 

Read: The Importance of Sleep

Travel Better to Aid Your Mental Health

Take a small trip in your area and rediscover your own backyard. Take short trips to a new city that isn’t too far away. Remember, travel where and how you want to, not to impress others.

When you do travel. Don’t pressure yourself into doing too much in a short period of time. Take a hike, join a tour, but forget that finding a quiet spot, enjoying a drink and some food and doing a spot of people-watching is also relaxing and will give you the opportunity to recharge for the rest of the day.

So now you have successfully connected travel with your mental health you can go ahead and book that next trip you’ve been looking forward to.

How has travel affected your mental health?

Let me know in the comments.