Chances are, you might be feeling a bit sluggish due to stresses in your personal life. Also, cultural change, the 24/7 news cycle, and disrupted community rhythms might be weighing heavily on you.
It’s wise to address the cause and effect of these factors directly by focusing on self-care and problem-solving. That said, a vacation can give you near-complete relief from the challenges of your everyday life. Read on for several compelling reasons why booking a getaway can improve your mental health.
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New Perspective
Being at home and in your local community gives you one strong perspective. You might spend time online, but that’s not the same as physically spending time in another location. Getting away gives you a fresh perspective and an opportunity to see your life through the lens of possibility. Need some help planning your lodging? Try a search using terms such as Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale to find the perfect place to stay.
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New Experiences
You probably have an established routine that gives you grounding and a sense of stability. The only problem is that after months of the same pattern, you may feel stagnant. Traveling brings a constant stream of new experiences that will stimulate you and give you a chance to automatically try out new behaviors and skills — great for improving your mental health.
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New People
It’s comforting to be around familiar people. Having supportive local family and friends is a good thing. On the other hand, when you travel, you’re exposed to a variety of new people, from service workers to new acquaintances. The novelty of your interactions will activate neural circuits and help improve brain plasticity.
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Opportunities for Rest
Need to simply rest and chill out? If you’ve been constantly on the go, booking a getaway will help you give yourself permission to lie in bed or on a beach, linger at the coffee shop, or enjoy a long leisurely meal. All of the housekeeping is taken care of, so you can be assured you’re staying in a pleasant, clean place.
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Opportunities for Recreation
Pickleball, anyone? Depending on where you choose to stay, you can take advantage of numerous recreational opportunities that may not be available in your local area. Also, being out of your normal context might make you more likely to take healthy risks, exercising both your mind and body.
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Opportunities for Reinvention
Speaking of taking healthy risks, travel may help you reinvent yourself. Often people make getaway plans when they’re at a decision point or another transition in their lives. The new perspectives, people, and experiences allow them to see themselves in a new way. Looking for a new job or new identity? Getting out of town can help kickstart the process.
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Culinary Adventures
Having a routine pattern of eating is healthy in many ways; you’re in complete control of where, when, and what you consume. It’s also beneficial to disrupt the routine. You might discover delicious foods that give you a physical and emotional boost.
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Cultural Adventures
Getting outside your cultural bubble is a powerful benefit of travel. You come into contact with people who look and behave differently from you. In the process of getting from place to place, you get to observe how various people live and interact.
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Relationship Enrichment
Planning a getaway with a friend or a loved one gives you a chance to change your patterns of interaction and experience the world in a new way — together. You’ll probably discover new things about each other along the way, and have a renewed appreciation for your bond. Also, a few things might come to light that are helpful for the future navigation of your relationship.
Planning and going on a vacation brings refreshment and excitement to key aspects of your life. Keep these ideas in mind as you prepare for your trip.
