Traveling the world is not only fun and exciting; there is ample research to suggest it is highly beneficial for your physical, mental and emotional health too.
1. TRAVEL MAKES YOU HEALTHIER
According to a joint study by the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Centre for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Association, travel makes you healthier. The research found that women who holiday at least twice per year have a significantly lower chance of having a heart attack compared to those who just travel every few years or so.
The exact same is true for men. Men who don’t take an annual holiday show a 20 percent greater risk of death and 30 percent higher chance of cardiovascular disease.
2. TRAVEL RELIEVES STRESS
Although missing a connecting flight or losing bags at a foreign airport is guaranteed to boost your anxiety, travel has been clinically proven to reduce stress levels, and rather dramatically.
According to a research, three days after taking a holiday, travellers reported feeling less stressed, more rested and in a better mood. These gains tend to linger for months after the trip has ended.
3. TRAVEL ENHANCES YOUR CREATIVITY
Foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth as we as increased integration of thought and the ability to form deeper connections between disparate forms. Travel alone is not enough, however, international travellers must be purposeful about participating.
The key is multicultural engagement, adaption and immersion. Someone who travels abroad without engaging with the local culture will likely get less of a creative boost than someone who immerses themselves in their foreign environment.
4. TRAVEL BOOSTS HAPPINESS AND SATISFACTION
Most men and women are usually happier when they are traveling because they don’t have to worry about work and other stress-related issues. However, one of the very interesting takeaways from a Cornell University study is that individuals also experience an immediate increase in pleasure from simply planning a trip. The study found that the expectation of taking a holiday is much greater than the expectation of obtaining a physical possession. Thus, the advantages of traveling overseas start well before the trip does.
5. TRAVEL LOWERS THE RISK OF DEPRESSION
While people tend to stay away from the subject in our society, depression is unfortunately a significant issue. Thousands of Australians struggle with depression on a regular basis and it is not unusual for doctors to overprescribe medication for the illness.
Fortunately, there are healthier methods available for escaping the hopelessness of a depressed state. According to study, travel could be one of these. A study by the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin found that females who holiday at least twice per year are less likely to suffer from depression and chronic anxiety than women who holiday less than once every couple of years
So, there you have it, there are clear, scientifically-backed health benefits of taking a holiday or travelling abroad, time to start booking your next getaway.