With many of us traveling long distances or even working and traveling the world full time, there has never been a better time to travel. There is also growing evidence that travel is good for our health and happiness. In addition to reducing stress and the risk of heart disease, travel has some amazing benefits. This ranges from strengthening our relationships to helping define who we are. Learn more about this and other positive effects travel can have below.
1. Boosts our immunity
It is strange but true; traveling can make our body stronger. British research on mice showed that the immune system reacts differently depending on the environment in which they find themselves. He is in a fundamentally different place. When we find ourselves in an unusual environment, our body acquires new types of bacteria and produces antibodies that protect us from other diseases in the future. Although more research is needed, it is possible that spending time in new places, even exotic places, is very good for us!
2. Develop strong relationships
Aside from the inevitable debate about who gets to read the map or who gets to sleep in bed, research shows that when we travel with friends or family, we improve our relationship with them. As we try new things and share time along the way, we feel closer. According to a study by the United States Travel Association, it can even help prevent divorce in the future. The study found that 84% of couples who work together have better communication in their long-term relationships.
3. Strengthens bones
Who would have thought that traveling would be good for our bones? Well, it’s not a journey per se, but vitamin D is created along the way. Most of us do not produce enough vitamin D naturally. Whether we’re hiking, skiing, hiking, or relaxing at the beach, when we travel, we spend more time outdoors, with bursts of sunlight. help our body produce the vitamin D we need for bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
4. Introduces new views and perspectives
In addition to being good for our bodies, travel can be good for our minds. In fact, it can even change the way we look at life. Meeting new people and experiencing different cultures makes us happier and more patient. The more we see the plight of others, the more we empathize. A global study by travel company Momondo found that travel helps us open up to new ideas, making us more confident and confident.
5. Develops a good heart
Whether we’re rushing through the airport, lugging our bags up the stairs of our hotel, or swimming peacefully, our vacations are busy. stronger than usual. Being active throughout the day is good for our heart. In fact, science has found a link between travel and heart health. In a study published in 2000, researchers at New York University found that taking a break reduced the risk of heart disease among older men.
6. Makes you feel less materialistic
It seems we are growing up in some beautiful way. Research shows that we are more likely to value experiences, such as vacations, than buying and owning products. In other words, good memories are priceless. In 2014, the University of San Francisco released a study showing that people believe that life experiences, such as travel, are more valuable than “things.” Since then, many other studies have produced similar results, so that this attitude is called materialism and the desire to have anything.
7. Have a better day
No one likes to spend their time on vacation, but surprisingly there are many reasons why it should be a good thing! We are on our feet more than usual, which can help reduce pain. We’re more likely to be under stress, which means we’re less likely to have PMS attacks. And if we do, increasing our vitamin D intake can help. Yes, it’s true, vitamin D can help with PMS. A 2015 US study found that people with PMS had low levels of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.
8. Raises our sense of self
When we travel, we find ourselves in unfamiliar situations and socialize with strangers, especially if we are alone. All of these things can make us more confident and more aware of who we are. A recent study from the Colombian Business School found that living abroad leads to self-esteem and can even help us better understand our path in life.
9. Reduces the risk of depression
According to a study in the Wisconsin Medical Journal, women who take annual vacations are more likely to be depressed than those who take a few vacations every year. This is not surprising, because sunlight, exercise, and pleasant experiences increase our serotonin levels, which can improve our mood. In fact, according to a study, just thinking about the vacation you have planned can make you happier. Also, the activities we usually do on vacation make us feel better: getting more sleep, exercising, meeting new people, and creating happiness.
10. Keeps stress levels to a minimum
Travel reduces stress by removing you – both physically and mentally – from the stresses of everyday life. Whether you’re bathing in Greece, exploring Paris, or watching a musical on Broadway, you’re distracted from your normal commitments and less stressed. Evidence supports this. A 2017 study found that seniors among those who travel for vacation are less stressed than those who stay at home. And reducing stress has proven health benefits: from better physical and mental health to longer life!