Hopefully everyone has started their year off right making better decisions eating, getting healthy and getting outside. If you have read some of the previous articles you will see the health benefits of nature. When you seriously think about how nature can help you with depression, anxiety and ultimately all around health, why wouldn’t you want to be out in the world.

We are on the right path, and now comes the reward. What, you didn’t think there was a reward? When we set goals there should always be some small rewards building up to a big one. That being said, your big reward will be a little bit of travel. You deserve it. You started working hard and doing the things to get you healthy. Why not go somewhere that will not only be beautiful, but be mentally and physically beneficial to you.

In this 3 part series we are going to talk about the benefits of travel and then give you some personal recommendations.

1. Though many people think travel can be stressful, if done right exploring new places even within a 2 hour car ride can help reduce stress and also promote relaxation.
2. When we don’t change things up our brain goes into cruise control which isn’t healthy. Travel helps promote cognitive stimulation. Think about how you feel when you get to experience different cultures and environments. This change can help enhance cognitive abilities and creativity. Also just think of the cool stories you will have tell others!
3. Creativity as we just mentioned will increase seeing new sights and experiences which helps boost problem solving skills. Creativity helps keep the mind sharp and healthy.
4. One of my favorite things about traveling is the physical activity. I know some of you are thinking I just want to sit by a pool and relax. That’s cool to do that, but imagine sitting in a gorgeous pool of water at the bottom of a waterfall. Taking a good hike and finding amazing places is good for the soul and also amazing physical activity for the body.
5. Have you ever noticed people are more sick during winter months. No one wants to go outside when it’s cold, but it seams like those that do don’t seem to get sick as much. A little biota travel and exposure to different environments may strengthen your immune system over time.

Stay tuned to The Lost Meander for parts 2 and 3 of this article to help get you off your couch and out into the world!