Can Traveling Be a Form of Therapy?

Can traveling be a form of therapy? The quick answer is, you bet your sweet bippy it’s a form of therapy! However, I want to dive a bit deeper into that answer to look at it from all angles. If you’re looking to travel for therapy sake, I’ve been there and want to give you a finer look at its benefits.

Can Traveling Be a Form of Therapy?

Experiencing New Things

Sometimes, when we’re struggling through tough issues like grief and depression, traveling is a way to help us over a slump. You know what I’m talking about, those times where, for some reason, you just can’t seem to push through the next door. Traveling is a way to see and experience something new. Whether it’s going to a place you’re curious about, trying new foods, seeing new faces, etc. it’s something to shake it all up.

Shaking it all up means, you’re not seeing the same faces every day. You’re not dealing with the same stuff you deal with day in and day out. It’s a change of scenery, a change of thoughts, a change of feelings. This short bit of time joggling all of these aspects will help freshen up your mental health, which helps get over those little humps in the road that seem impossible.

Traveling Isn’t for Everyone

I have to say, even though traveling works for me and many others, it’s not for everyone. It’s important to know yourself and what works for you. However, don’t get stuck in the rut of opting for hiding under the blankets with the TV as your friend. Day after day of this can be very damaging and toxic for your mental health. Although there’s nothing wrong with using this as a way of recouping after being around people, don’t make it your only option. Even if traveling isn’t the best option for you, find something else that is. Maybe staying closer to home is more your pace, which can still be considered traveling.

Managing Anxiety While Traveling

If you struggle with major anxiety, traveling can still be therapeutic. You simply have to work around what you know will work you up. Take things slowly, don’t rush them, and take each moment in stride. Remember to enjoy yourself and breathe it in. You’ll be surprised how much a relaxing day or two will reduce stress, anxiety, worry, and even allow you to power through a heavy wave of grief.

Choosing a Spot

Distance and location depends on you and your preferences. I tend to choose a place that allows me to relax and experience new things without stress and worry. Certain places aren’t safe for people to travel alone, other places can be too different that they cause a lot of added stress and anxiety. So, choose what feels comfortable!

Therapy can come in many forms. Each person will be different in what helps them cope the most and get over their hurdles. So, can traveling be a form of therapy? You bet it can!