Guest Post from The Fit Well Traveler: The benefits of travel for mental health and addiction

Message from The Timeshare Guru:  As much as I try to get out great content about a wide variety of subjects that my readers may find interesting, I simply cannot be an expert in everything.  I have been lucky enough to have readers that are engaging and offer to write interesting posts about timeshares and other travel relating topics.  I highly encourage you to reach out if you would like to have a guest post featured. 

For this post, The Fit Well Traveler, has provided us with some great information on why traveling is important for your mental and physical health.  I completely agree with this article as simply getting away from your day to day activities can be very healthy.

Unfortunately, most Americans do not travel much and the amount of vacation time not being used and going to waste is horrible.  

My rule is to always have a trip planned so even when one is over, another one is already on the horizon.  It keeps me motivated in my day job and keeps me excited for the next adventure!

I hope that you find this article interesting and you take his advice.  Make sure to check out his blog -FitWellTraveler and show your support.  Thank you!

This one change in your lifestyle will help you break your bad habits
The benefits of travel for mental health and addiction

Are you struggling with an unhealthy habit?  Or are you fighting with an old addiction?  You should consider traveling.  Don’t overlook the healing power of changing scenery.  Breaking out of your rut can work wonders, and science has found tremendous benefits in packing your bags and hitting the road.

​Shake up the routine
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Facing the same old things, day in and day out, leaves us vulnerable to our bad habits.  Unless we can get away from our “triggers,” those things or people that might spur our bad decisions, we can have more trouble winning our daily battles against addictions.

Triggers may be certain people who encourage unhealthy choices or they may be circumstances that make us feel bad.  Poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety - all things that may weaken your resolve - can be helped with travel.  A little wanderlust can go a long way toward leaving behind triggers and helping you feel good.
 
Explore and feel better

Studies show that traveling helps you achieve better mental health.  Taking a trip can help you:

• be more creative, which improves your outlook on life
• open you up by stretching you out of your comfort zone
• relieve stress by offering a change in routine and freedom

 
Travel is such a boon that you will feel better before you even go; just anticipating a vacation makes you feel happier.  Vacations with partners even help make relationships stronger, which means you will feel better longer.  Having a healthier partnership with your significant other means better future mental well-being.
 
Try globe-trotting

Traveling abroad has the added benefit of leaving behind your entire culture.  Several studies show that stepping out into what is literally foreign territory has the bonus of making you think in more flexible ways.
 
Get away from it all

When planning your trip, consider a retreat into nature.  Science has found that our bodies generate less stress hormones when we are in green space.  Your brain also has better blood flow when you spend time in nature, and you can feel soothed.  Getting sunshine and vitamin D can boost your mood and help regulate your body cycle, improving sleep so you feel refreshed.  The clean air of the great outdoors also helps lower your blood pressure and will calm and clear your mind. 
 
Don’t forget Fido or Fifi

Consider bringing a pet along if planning an outdoor adventure, especially if you have a dog.  The American Hiking Society notes that “hiking with dogs provides health benefits to both the pets and the owners, as well as deepening their bond through shared experiences.”  They also offer some great tips to get you started. 
 
Pets in general are great for our physical and mental well-being.  Stroking a familiar, friendly pet lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate, and relaxes you.  Research even shows the effects are faster than many drugs that are taken for stress.  Bonding with a pet relieves depression and anxiety, too.  Having a pet on your trip will provide companionship and will require that you be responsible, too.  These are valuable tools in fighting depression. 
 
End the cycle

Old habits are hard to break, but travel may be just the ticket to helping you with your struggles and addictions.  Generating better mental and physical health, getting away can be good for what ails you.  It can reduce or eliminate triggers, help you feel better, and a trip into nature will have bonus health benefits from fresh air and sunshine.  Adding a pet to the equation or traveling to another country can help you even more.  Grab your suitcase and leave those bad habits behind! 

Thank you again to the FitWellTraveler!  Whether you travel in timeshares, hotels, motels, resorts, camping or RV's, traveling is wonderful and can provide some great mental and physical health benefits!

What are your thoughts? Do you experience euphoria when you travel?