Whether you’re seeking adventure or solitude, traveling can ease your stress. Going somewhere, anywhere, can be a way to heal your heart and your soul and be liberating and invigorating. 

Are you taking a stroll along a beach in Cali or Australia?

Or, are you clearing your head by raving the night away in a European nightclub?

Maybe you’re enjoying some quiet time in a cozy nook at your local cafè.

No matter what you do, embracing what makes you, you is what you need to focus on.

This post will discuss the benefits of traveling for your mental health. 

Alone time

Traveling alone is an adventure, but getting away to seek solitude, is cathartic. 

Everyone is different, and some people simply need to be alone.

And that’s ok!

Some people in your life might not understand this but set your boundaries.

This is YOUR life, not theirs. 

If you need to be alone, then that’s up to you to decide.

Whether you’re grieving, healing, or finding yourself, this can be true. 

Allow yourself time to think about nothing, the past, the present, the future, or all the above.

Being by yourself allows your mind to process and sort thoughts and determine your next action plan.

Putting your next steps into perspective takes courage, but it’s a healthy fear. 

Even if the following steps are hard, you’ve survived every bad you’ve had this far.

You got this. 

Be Active

Book that hotel or flat in Italy, and walk around town, taking in your surroundings while eating that much-deserved gelato. 

Do you scuba dive? 

Make a reservation to dive in the Red Sea with a group and find absolute peace in the water. 

Not talking, experiencing the comfort of the water hugging you, and listening to the sounds of the ocean is complete serenity. 

I don’t expect you to go all Forest Gump and run across the entire United States, but if that’s your thing, do it!

Exercising promotes endorphins, the signals in your brain that make you happy. 

Hiking, swimming, climbing, yoga, and centering yourself are a few ways to get your body moving.

Being active also sharpens your mind, which is beneficial since you probably have racing thoughts. 

It’s so important to have a clear head when making pertinent decisions!

Engaging your mind

The second you start planning a trip, you are engaging your mind. Even if it’s just a few minor details to get from point A to point B.

If you are grieving, grief comes in waves, and making yourself direct your attention to something positive will be helpful.

Give yourself something to look forward to. 

Are you a planner? 

If so, organizing the details of a vacation can be very satisfying.

In fact, having an itinerary while trying to piece it all back together will eliminate further stress during your trip.

It’s a win-win.

Resting

One of the most, if not the most important thing, is getting enough rest. 

Absolutely no one makes good choices while being physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted.

Plan that trip, my friend, even if it’s only to get some sleep. 

Let your mind have a break from this reality and delve into a book that’s been calling your name.

I give you permission to lay in bed all day or get comfy at a local coffee shop with the best views in the city and read.

Also, be sure to take some time and eat good food. 

Nourishing your body with appropriate nutrients can make all the difference in your mood and how you physically feel.

Your brain literally functions off of glucose, so it’s definitely ok to have that chocolate-filled croissant.

Find yourself again 

If you have lost yourself in the everyday life’s hustle and bustle, schedule a vacation.

Do activities that bring you peace and make you happy.

It’s ok if you can’t completely escape.

Taking a break from it all and disconnecting from the world can be done inside your own home.

Sometimes going to a new place can be achieved right where you are.

As humans, we often forget the superficial pleasantries of life and take the little things for granted.

Make it a priority to make yourself a priority! 

Knowing the benefits of traveling for your mental health might just help you schedule the trip you deserve.