Holiday for Good Health

Budget constraints and busy schedules may make it difficult for you to set aside time and plan a getaway. However, it’s official. Travel can offer great gains for your health, body and mind. Hear it from Dr Lim Yun Chin, Specialist in Psychiatry at Raffles Counselling Centre, as he shares with us some of the top reasons why we should go ahead and book our tickets for a holiday.

1- Good-bye Stress

Travel gives you an opportunity to relax and de-stress. It also decreases burnout.
Many people these days can’t seem to be totally disassociated with work even when they are on leave. Going away for a short while is a valid reason for us to be less easily contactable for work-related reasons and this is why some people try to go on at least one overseas trip each year.

2- Break the Monotony

A trip of any kind, even a short one, provides you with a break from the norm, and that alone can inject you with energy. “Many of us have a daily routine. We get up at the same time, get ready for work, and turn up and knock off from work at around the same time each day. A holiday will introduce a change from your daily routine and this would prevent your mind and body from stagnating,” adds Dr Lim.

3- Reconnect with Your Loved Ones

A trip gives you an opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones and the chance to create positive shared memories that you can all look back on the future. Planning for a trip together can be a great bonding experience and you’ll find out more about one another’s habits, likes and dislikes through this.

4- Get Active

When you’re travelling, you’re more likely to be out in the fresh air, enjoying the outdoors. You may be doing activities such as hiking, sight-seeing or even whitewater rafting. As long as you had taken the necessary steps for sun protection, you’ll also gain from the benefits of sun exposure.

Unless you want to rest all the time during your vacation, you’ll likely be doing more walking than you would at home, and generally be much more active than you are during your normal routine. Even a shopping trip would means that you may be on your feet for a longer period of time than usual.

5- Gain New Perspectives

Travelling gives us a whole new appreciation for different cultures and lifestyles. This would broaden your horizons and you’ll learn to enjoy life that much more. It can also offer you a whole new perspective of your own city.

6- Meet New People

Travelling enables you to get to meet and know people from all over the world. This gives you an opportunity to learn about other cultures and way of life. Socialising is also highly therapeutic.

7- No Regrets

If it’s within your means, follow your heart and do not leave room for regrets. Visiting the destinations of your choice can be a fulfilling experience. So if you have been thinking of taking a trip somewhere, try your best to plan for it. Bear in mind the benefits of travel and welcome what it does to your body and mind.