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Why Travel Is an Essential Form of Self-Care by Sophia Smith

There are many ways to indulge and take care of your physical and mental health. It all depends on what type of relaxation you like. Some people like to watch movies, others like to spend time with friends and family, and some like to travel. We can all agree that travel is the best shortcut to self-care. And sometimes it’s like our body and mind ask for it. They want a change of scenery, they want nature, beautiful landscapes, beaches, museums and parks.

If you want to fulfill those needs and wishes, here is a glance at why travel is an essential form of self-care.

Meeting different cultures and creating friendships

One of the most beautiful experiences that is an inevitable part of every trip is meeting a new culture. Whether you travel locally or internationally, there is always something new you can find out and learn. Different customs, local dishes, traditional dance or wardrobe, those are all things you can get to know when traveling.

The reason why this will enrich your soul is that you will meet a lot of different people, hear their life stories and experiences and try to live as they live. For some time, your culture will be that of the Japanese, you will eat what the Indians do, or you will walk through the streets and houses a famous painter or poet once lived in.

One more thing that almost everyone loves about traveling is creating new friendships. Whether you are traveling in a group, in a pair or alone, it is certain you will meet new people. Sharing experiences and spending time with someone, sharing those beautiful moments will definitely be something you will remember for the rest of your life. Together with this, you will create connections all over the world and feel like you are at home wherever you go.

Relax and pamper yourself to the max but don’t forget fitness

One reason why travel is an essential form of self-care is that during those days you are ready to pamper yourself more than you would usually. By enjoying something that is not your everyday routine, you will make the experience even better. One such thing can be a relaxing professional massage which will help you with soreness or jetlag and even relax you and leave you stress-free. Depending on a place you are visiting, different massages can be an option which is also a great way to get to know a culture. You can choose the ones with relaxing oils, and soothing music to complete the whole experience.

Something else we shouldn’t forget about when traveling is our fitness routine. Some would say that during those days you shouldn’t work out but relax. On the contrary, fitness can be a great way to get in touch with your body in an environment that doesn’t make you stressed out. However, it doesn’t need to be an intense fitness routine. A bike ride in the sunset, or yoga at sunrise will make you feel fresh and full of life but will not make you tired. Sightseeing or hiking is also a good option that can replace your normal fitness routine. You will, in a way, mix work with much-needed pleasure.

How travel changes perspective

In urban societies, we crave an oasis of peace and tranquility. It seems like crowd and noise are something you can’t run away from. That is why we appreciate every minute spent in nature and why we so desperately need it. Getting in touch with nature makes us cherish it, even more, realizing how important it is for us. Being out of cities, far from technology and cars brings us to simpler times when we didn’t need much to be happy.

Enjoying the quiet after a long time, just sitting and letting all the bad thoughts brush against you, and the good ones overflow you. That is the essence of self-care. Traveling enables us to do that because it takes us away from our everyday lives and teaches us to be humble, to accept differences and to love our life. Traveling often makes us learn how to deal with stress better, so that one day we don’t have to live with it as a part of us. That is how travel changes our perspective of life.

Whenever you need an escape or a time-out, resort to traveling. It will bring you peace and quiet and restore your mind. When an opportunity presents itself, take it, travel to the nearest village or the furthest country on the other side of the world. Make every day count and don’t forget to bring a souvenir for your home and a beautiful experience for your soul.

Sophia Smith is a beauty blogger, an eco-lifestyle lover, a graphic designer and a travel enthusiast. She is very passionate about natural skincare, yoga and mindful living. Sophia writes mostly about lifestyle-related topics in her blogs and articles. She has contributed to a number of publications including: Eco Warrior Princess, Just Haves, How to Simplify and Carousel.