Most people see travel as a privilege of those with enough free time and money. But there is a lot of evidence that might change common folk's opinion. The evidence we talk about shows how beneficial it can be for people recovering from addiction, mental illness, or trauma. Particularly to those who are battling depression.
In a survey conducted in 2013, 485 US adults associated travel with improved energy, focus, and empathy. A step out of the comfort zone can do wonders for a person's mental health. However, leaving a known territory might cause some new challenges to emerge. It is vital to maintain mental health even during travel. Let's see how you can do that.
Plan Ahead
Being spontaneous is fun most of the time, but having a plan can prevent a lot of headaches. In some cases, unpredicted situations can trigger stress, which you need to avoid. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself:
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Prepare all the documentation and other necessities in advance.
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Check the passport's expiry date.
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Learn about the places you're visiting, mainly about linguistic and cultural differences.
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Find a place to stay before arriving, and have the confirmation with you.
Things like purchasing tickets can save both money and time. But they can also provide some structure to the whole process. Also, have a proper amount of medication that will last until the end of the trip.
Use a Support System
It doesn't matter if we are talking about a traveling companion or a therapist at home people who struggle with depression need to have frequent talks with someone. Therefore, you should speak with a therapist about organizing video calls and discuss your emotions. Just seeing a familiar face can do so much in these situations.
Also, seeking counsel from local therapists can do much good. For example, if you are in UAE, maybe you can look for a psychologist in Dubai who can provide immediate help. It's not comfortable to experience an anxiety attack in a foreign country. So, think about a couple of solutions you can use when it happens.
Find Time To Relax
Despite all the activities around you, be sure to find time to relax and have a popper rest. Having a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining mental health. That way, you will make be able to process all the experiences without feeling overwhelmed. The best way to do that is to create a schedule for every day.
Many travelers get tempted to skimp on accommodation to have enough funds for all the entertainment that awaits them. Instead of booking a place that cannot present enough comfort, try finding an upgraded suite with all the features that can provide exactly that. Look for hotels that offer benefits like Swedish tables. At least you will not put pressure on yourself about food.
Eat and Drink Properly
It can be tempting to put a diet on a pause when there are many things for you to explore. However, many studies prove the connection between the food we consume and our mental health. For example, foods with antioxidants can have a positive effect by lowering anxiety symptoms.
At the same time, it is crucial to stay well hydrated. Some studies confirmed that even mild dehydration harms energy and cognition. Whenever you go, make sure to bring a bottle and drink every half an hour. Besides, avoid consuming alcohol and consuming foods that enhance dehydration.
