Photo credits: Rachel Claire
Reasons why Tourism is Important for your Mental Health
~ Taking care of your mental health is not selfish. In fact, it’s the most selfless thing you can do. It allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for others. ~
When you think about a destination that is purposeful, what comes to mind? A purposeful destination for many people is one where they can spend time on themselves. The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we would like to explore how travel can contribute to your mental health especially in the continent of Africa.
Most African governments devote less than 1% of their budgets to mental health services. An estimated 100 million people in Africa suffer from clinical depression, including 66 million women. African countries have competing health and development priorities with insufficient funds to address them all. As a result, mental healthcare is severely underfunded. Data recorded in health management systems do not include mental health, which contributes to an underappreciation of the disease burden in countries across the continent
Wellness tourism offers a holistic approach to travel, focusing on the well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment. It provides a platform for individuals to prioritize their health, relax, rejuvenate, and engage in activities that promote overall well-being.
It’s no news that travel is good for your physical wellbeing, but a significant amount of scientific research suggests that exploring a new place can do wonders for your mental and emotional health as well.
So, here are 5 reasons why travel is good for your mental health:
Travel is great for relaxation and stress reduction: Taking a vacation and engaging in leisure activities during tourism can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote relaxation. Being in a new environment, away from everyday routines and responsibilities, allows for mental rejuvenation.
Exposure to nature: Many tourist destinations offer natural landscapes and outdoor activities, which have been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Activities, like walking, hiking, and skiing, in scenic areas can help you become more hopeful. Being in nature can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase overall well-being.
Social connections: Traveling exposes individuals to new cultures, traditions, and experiences, which can broaden their perspective and provide mental stimulation. Tourism often involves meeting new people, whether fellow travelers or locals. Social interactions and connections play a crucial role in mental well-being, as they provide opportunities for social support, companionship, and the sharing of positive experiences.
Increased happiness and positive emotions: Engaging in pleasurable activities and creating positive memories during tourism can boost happiness levels. The new events and experiences help rewire your brain, hence boosting your mood and self-confidence. These positive emotions have a lasting impact on mental health, promoting resilience and buffering against negative feelings.
It helps you reinvent yourself: Experiential traveling, particularly to a foreign country, can help you re-evaluate and reinvent your life. The valuable lessons that you learn along the way broaden your perspective, making you more aware and open to new things. Exploring new places can also give you a fresh start if you’re recovering from a major transition in your life.
Additionally, extended traveling also improves your productivity and problem-solving skills. Now that you know the benefits, where are you going next?