How does travel help with depression? Well for me it’s not just about the 2 week adventure. It’s also about the excitement of planning it. With depression you need to find something that will motivate you. Looking for new places to see, or finding that perfect spot to just sit a watch the waves.
Planning
I love to plan. Sitting down in front of my computer planning the next trip gives me something to look forward to. When I planned my trip to Thailand not only did I want the best deals, I wanted to see everything. So you’re not just challenging yourself, you are also keeping your mind busy.
Looking for places to visit while you are there is another way to keep your mind focused. Plan to see the top attractions but also look for things that are not so popular or busy.
Here is a place I found on the way to the Hmong Village near Doi Suthep in Thailand. The view is amazing. But the main attraction here is, it was empty. A great time to take that moment to yourself.
Getting out of your everyday routine
When we travel we don’t have to get up at 6am. We don’t have to go to work. We don’t have to cook or clean. We can finally sit back and relax.
As someone who loves routine in her life the two weeks I am away there is no such thing. I still like to get up early at least 5 of the days to watch the sunrise or to get to those busy areas before the rest of the tourists. However the rest of the time there is no alarm or schedule to stick to, I just head out and wander.
I suggest with a 2 week vacation at least 3 days to do nothing. Take the 3 days make no plans just wake up and let your body to the talking. The best part of my vacation in Thailand was taking 2 days and just being free. I watched a couple movies, walked around my resort, went to town a couple times to do a little shopping. There was no schedule, no thinking.
Seeing amazing things
I think the best things about travel are the places we see. Nature is the most powerful antidote for anyone. Take a walk through a forest or jungle taking in everything mother nature has. Not to mention the colour green is a natural mental healer.
Visiting historical places and escaping to fairytale places is another great way to lose yourself. Every girl as a child dreamed of being in a castle and becoming a princess. Why not let your inner child come out and day dream in the magical gardens. A great place for that is Sintra Portugal.
Taking in the sun
Grab a book and head to the beach for some vitamin C, don’t forget your sunscreen. We all need sunlight in our lives. When we work all day indoors, we lack the energy to motivate us. Just putting our feet in the sand sometimes is enough to relax those shoulders but grabbing a chair or hammock under a palm tree, well that relaxes the whole body.
Just take this moment, look at this picture, close your eyes… do you feel a little more relaxed? Now take that feeling and double it, that is how you will feel when you are actually there.
Alone or with friends
Taking a vacation with friends is amazing. Sharing those moments and having someone to talk to while there. Reminiscing about it when you get home is such a mood booster. Still till this day I chat with my girlfriends about some of the crazy adventures we had while on our weekend get-a-ways.
Taking some time to vacation solo is also good for the mind. In November 2019 I took my best vacation ever to Thailand. This was because I was able to overcome one of my biggest anxiety attacks and I was able to find out so much about myself. With depression we find ourselves alone a lot. But when you are away, it’s a different kind of alone. You really start to listen to your inner self.
You are never alone
I say this all the time, you are never alone. Depression and anxiety have been a part of my life for over 20 years. During this time I have been figuring out ways for it to stop controlling me. I have always had a passion for travel and through it and writing about it I have managed somewhat take control. Knowing that there are more people out there that too suffer with the mind and body crippling disease makes it easy for me and others to not feel alone.
Maybe you haven’t reached out or talked to someone, now is that time. You can always ask me a question, I may not have the answer but I can try to guide you to someone that will. Check with your doctor for a local social worker or therapist.