How Planning Travel Can Be a Bona Fide Mood Booster Melissa Klurman - The Points Guy
go to original October 12, 2022

All it takes is a glance at the news to be confronted with issues great and small to worry about each and every day. Roll in a few years of pandemic isolation and stress, and it's easy to feel mentally exhausted and overwhelmed.

If you've experienced feelings of anxiety recently, you're not alone. More than 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders in any given year, according to the Boston University Medical Center. While you can't control major global issues, there are some ways to relieve stress, practice self-care and improve your mood, including, according to researchers, travel.

Oct. 10 was World Mental Health Day, an initiative led by the World Health Organization with the objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

As part of today's focus on mental health, we at TPG decided to look at how travel affects mental health, and the ways that you can relieve some everyday stress by planning a trip, even if you're not traveling anytime soon.

Nearly 8 in 10 (79%) people surveyed believe vacations are important to their overall health and well-being, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Also, avoiding burnout was the top-rated motivator to book a trip in the next six months — ranked even higher than travel discounts and deals, in findings the association shared earlier this year.

It's not just the act of being on vacation that can relieve stress. Pre- and post-trip planning are equally good for our mental well-being.

"I have a firm belief that the experience of travel, looking forward to travel and post-travel recollections can all greatly enhance the mental health of the traveler," said Dr. Lori Lawrenz, a licensed psychologist who works with Healthline.

Read more how travel can boost your mood at ThePointsGuy.com

Related: Exploring Wellness Travel Trends in a Post-Pandemic World (Travel Pulse)

Related: Steps for Planning a Trip Itinerary (Elite-Arcades.com)

Notice: This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before making any changes to your wellness routine.