Our world is so diverse in each and every way. Hundreds of countries, thousands of different cultures, and millions of languages, there’s just too much to explore, and possibly too much to ever know completely about. But what is one way we can discover the unknown world? Yes, you guessed correctly, by travelling!
Travel is not only a great way to acquaint yourself with the plethora of cultural diversity around you, but it can be quite the outlet for your mind. Exposing yourself to unknown situations, unknown languages and people, can be an excellent way to improve mental health and understand yourself on a deeper and more personal level. Experiencing the “rush” of travelling can really be a great stimulus for your mind. Conversing with locals promotes social encounters and let’s you learn how really the tied together the world can be! While learning the fragments of a new tongue and applying them to your daily conversations can be difficult, you are in fact improving concentration and focus, keeping your mental health in check. Travelling creates an opportunity to take a vacation from your life routine and allows you to de-stress, keeping depression and anxiety at bay!
Many people already enjoy travelling and visit many different countries and places on a regular basis- sometimes for work or just for fun. But…there are people out there too that despise the idea of travelling and feel content in their own little bubble, and aren’t too fond of the “change factor” that travels provide. If you identify with the latter, it is perfectly ok! Maybe you don’t need to visit some exotic location in the world but simply going to a foreign place (it could even be the next city) can really allow you to grow your horizons and give your mind a break as well. Personally, I enjoy travelling but I do wish I was more adventurous, in terms of the locations I choose to visit! Travelling within the country itself has offered its benefits and has made me more curious and aware about the world around me; the differences in cultural dynamics is just so unique and has made me a more accepting and tolerant person, in general!
Wherever you may be, keep a goal to travel at least twice a year. It doesn’t have to be a large-scale paradise vacation, but it could be a simple family trip to somewhere close! Not only is it a much needed break, but it gives you an opportunity to broaden your knowledge about the world and to experience the richness of various cultures and traditions surrounding us. Allow your mind to wander and learn more about yourself by immersing in the art of travel!
By Krithi Nathan