Beth's Babbles: Why travel is SO good for your health

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
- Mark Twain

As someone who has suffered from depression, severe bouts of IBS, and the common cold at least 6 times a year, since I've been away from home I haven't been ill once and it's the best my body and mind has felt in a long, long time. I've always heard that travel has been proven to increase health, but in the past few years I've experienced that first hand. Here's why travel is so good:

1. Travel helps with mental health and depression
Travelling is proven to lower stress levels considerably. It's the perfect way to get away from the environment that may be causing you to feel depressed. Be it a week, a month or a year, getting out can really help your mind recover from the stresses of everyday life. The effect of this lasts even after you've returned home, and even gives you a new perspective to help cope with anxiety when it comes. Of course there are still struggles while you're travelling, but you also learn new ways to overcome them that you can put into practise when you're back home.

Kayak for two, please!

2. Travel makes you more physically active
I admit that I hate exercising, but the travel lifestyle is a lot more active without you even realising it. It gets you out of the house, stops you being lazy, and works those muscles. I can't count how many steps and hills I've climbed to the top of a tower or waterfall. Currently my whole body aches from kayaking 8km yesterday, but it was definitely worth it! Exercise is good not only for the muscles and waistline, but the brain and heart too. Now I just need to work on avoiding the awesome tasting, calorific restaurant food...

3. Exciting new experiences give you a high that's better than drugs
Ok so, I've never actually taken drugs, but I definitely know the side effects. As a much healthier alternative, experiencing something new, fun or exhilerating leaves you with a buzz that can last hours, days, or even a lifetime.

I'm still buzzing months after seeing wild turtles and sharks for the first time!

4. Different environments boost your immune system
As well as your active body performing better at fighting infection, the exposure to lots of new environments produces stronger antibodies, boosting your immune system. Probably the reason why I haven't experienced an infection as common as the cold while I've been away.

5. Vitamin D and vitamin sea
Sun and sea are like daily medicines to keep the body healthy and glowing, and when you travel you're likely to be more exposed to both. Of course, we all know the risks of too much sun, so sunscreen and protective clothing are a must when travelling. The salty sea water has healing properties and will cleanse cuts and grazes and even skin conditions such as eczema, allowing them to heal quicker. It also feels awesome when immersed in the water, a time to chill out both the body and mind.

6. Finds you healthy hobbies
When you travel, you're more likely to engage in fun new activities that you've never tried before.
Watersports, hiking, walking, swimming, yoga, photography, healthy cooking - it can be anything! Hopefully you'll find you really enjoy these, but don't forget that most things can be done somewhere at home too even if it's not as popular a pastime. You may even find when you go back home that your experiences have encouraged you to continue trying new things such as joining a sports club. As long as it doesn't involve drugs or alcohol, it's gotta be better than staring at a TV or computer screen all day.

Definitely gonna give surfing another go

7. Live longer and fuller
Given all these health benefits, people who travel tend to have a longer life expectancy than those who don't. A more stress free life is not only more enjoyable, but reduces the risk of heart disease amongst other problems. It's also a life that can be looked back on as having done something. No regrets. No wishing you did more when you could. You can be any age to travel. You can travel anywhere in the world. Even if it's just down the road to get away from work for a week or so. Travel is the answer and it may be the medicine you've been searching for that the doctor can't prescribe.