During a beauty contest held in a historic hotel in Manila, the host asked one of the contenders: “How do you see yourself 10 years from now?” With confidence, she replied, “I am now 18, plus 10. I will be 28!”
Her answer may be funny but there’s more truth to it. Every day, we grow older. We cannot defy age. There are those who die younger like James Dean as a result of an accident. Some who were lucky died of old age like the Oscar-winning Paul Newman.
Individuals deal with aging in different ways. Some adjust to it; they plan for the “golden years,” and accept their decreasing vitality as inevitable. Others deny; they are always looking for “the fountain of youth.” They try to alter their appearance with make-up, hair coloring or plastic surgery. This must be the reason why beauty salons and clinics are sprouting all over the country.
Unknowingly, there are several ways of making yourself younger without resorting to surgery. Traveling is one of those ways. It’s no secret that going on a trip is fun but a new study showed that it could also make you look and feel younger.
The study, published in Science Daily, is from Australia’s Edith Cowan University. It says that entropy – the process of slow and inevitable decline – can be offset by traveling. “Positive travel experiences can enhance individuals’ physical and mental wellness,” said lead researcher Fangli Hu.
The research indicates that various aspects of travel, such as meeting new people, improving sleep quality, acquiring novel life experiences, and participating in soothing activities such as yoga and spa treatments, may contribute to combating premature aging.
“Tourism isn’t just about leisure and recreation,” Hu said.
Aside from making you look younger, there are several other health benefits that traveling offers, according to Debra Carpenter, associate editor of Travellers Worldwide. “Studies, experts, and our own anecdotal observations have shown that there are indeed health benefits of traveling,” she wrote.
Carpenter and other travel experts list the following health benefits:
Increases social interactions: In a study conducted by the University College London’s Centre for Transport Studies, the researchers discovered that individuals who frequently travel distances of 15 kilometers or more from their residences tend to report improved health and increased social interactions. In contrast, those who do not travel, as well as those who face significant obstacles to travel, indicate poorer health and heightened feelings of loneliness.
Lowers heart disease risk: “Traveling can demonstrably lower your risk of heart disease and heart attacks,” Carpenter wrote. In an article published in The Los Angeles Times, it was reported that men who don’t travel at least once a year have about a 30% higher risk of coronary-related death. Turn that statistic around to find that men who do take a vacation once a year have about a 30% lower risk of dying from heart disease.
Decreases stress levels: Engaging in new experiences is advantageous for enhancing cognitive function and promoting mental well-being. Travel has been associated with a reduction in stress levels and can help mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
In short, travel is the natural antidote to stress. “Whether you’re going to another country or escaping for a long weekend in a nearby town, traveling can have a strong impact on your mental health,” says webMD.com.
Buoys mood instantly: “Traveling is proven to give you a mood boost that starts the moment you begin planning your trip, through the vacation, and even into your initial return home,” Carpenter wrote.A study carried out by Cornell University identified a correlation between frequent travelers and heightened levels of energy, concentration, and empathy. Collectively, these elements contribute to an enhanced sense of well-being and an uplifted mood.
Another research indicated that three days post-vacation, individuals reported feeling rejuvenated, experiencing reduced anxiety levels, and exhibiting an enhanced mood. Furthermore, these positive effects persisted for several weeks after their return home.
Improves brain health. Travel broadens your perspective, says the website, matadornetwork.com. It allows for encounters with diverse individuals and fosters adaptability to various circumstances. This exposure enhances global and cultural awareness, which is beneficial for mental health, as novel experiences promote cognitive flexibility and maintain mental acuity.
Research indicates a correlation between travel and heightened creativity, enriched cultural understanding, and personal development. Furthermore, findings published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggest that individuals who engage in travel and study abroad often exhibit greater openness and emotional stability.
Decreases depression risk: In a study published in the Annals of General Psychiatry, it was found that participants who had not traveled for one year had a 71% higher risk of suffering from depression in the following year than did those who had traveled. On the other hand, participants with depression had more than double the increased risk of not traveling than did those not currently suffering from depression.
A research article published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment, and Health revealed that for each additional 10 days of paid vacation a woman utilized, her likelihood of experiencing depression decreased by 29%.
Wards off burnout at work: Burnout represents conditions of significant emotional or physical fatigue that profoundly affect a person’s daily existence. This overwhelming sense of exhaustion is precisely why it is challenging to escape these states, making prevention all the more crucial.
A Finnish study has revealed that engaging in travel, even for brief durations several times a year, can help mitigate the effects of burnout and maintain a sustained level of energy in a person’s professional endeavors.
Reduces dementia risk: A study published in the journal Progress in Tourism Management examines the potential advantages of travel for individuals living with dementia. The research team from Australia indicates that various travel experiences—such as sightseeing, dining, and increased physical activity—can offer cognitive, sensory, and social stimulation, which may yield significant health benefits for those affected by dementia.
Lead researcher Jun Wen stated, “Additionally, fundamental elements like fresh air and sunlight contribute to elevated levels of vitamin D and serotonin.” He further emphasized that the comprehensive nature of tourism experiences highlights how individuals with dementia might gain from tourism as a therapeutic intervention.
Boosts job satisfaction: Employee satisfaction plays a vital role in the overall success of an organization. Business travel constitutes a significant aspect of numerous organizations. Effectively managed travel can lead to a favorable experience that boosts both job satisfaction and productivity.
A research study examined employees who indicated elevated levels of work-related stress prior to and following their vacations. The findings revealed that their job satisfaction experienced the greatest enhancement in warm, sunny destinations that offered opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and increased rest during their travels.
“Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind,” Swedish author Jan Myrdal reminds. “Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes.”
