Research has shown that travel can lower the risk of depression. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 322 million people worldwide suffer from depression. This number has increased 18.4% over the past five years. Travel is a proven way to escape the daily grind and de-stress. It also encourages leisure time.
The research found that those who have not traveled in the last year were at a 71% higher risk of depression than those who had. Those who did travel, on the other hand, had a 71% lower risk of depression. This difference is nearly doubled in the first year alone.
Travel also boosts self-esteem and relieves stress. Stress can make a person feel like he or she is trapped in their daily life and can lead to depression. Taking vacations allows you to spend time with your family and friends, which can improve your mental health and reduce the chances of depression. A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Mind Body Center found that taking vacations helps people reduce their stress levels and improve their quality of life.
When planning a trip, it is important to discuss the travel history with your doctor. This way, you can avoid any potential issues that may arise. You should also mention any medications that you are taking. It is also important to check for health risks at your destination. The CDC website provides destination pages for different countries, where you can find information on recommended medicines and vaccines.
Another study conducted by Marshfield Clinic found that women who took vacations at least twice a year were less likely to develop depression than those who took fewer trips. Another study shows that travelling can improve mood by enabling people to forget their feelings of sadness and depression. However, for serious cases of depression, you must seek professional help.
Traveling also increases physical activity, which is essential for people who suffer from depression. It keeps them healthy and fit. It can also improve their mood by breaking negative cycles. It also offers an escape from the daily grind and allows a person to see the world in a new way. If you are a sufferer of depression, getting out of the daily rut is important for your mental health.
Travel also lowers the risk of heart disease. According to the Framingham Heart Study, those who took a vacation once a year or more had a 30% lower risk of suffering from a heart attack. By contrast, people who didn’t take a vacation at all had a higher risk of developing the disease.
