1.Escape from the stress vortex
In the fast pace of modern society, people seem to be in an invisible stress vortex. The deadline of work is like a tight hoop that binds the mind, and the trivial affairs of life are constantly consuming energy. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression is increasing year by year worldwide, and long-term high pressure is one of the important factors leading to these problems. At this time, travel is like a ray of light, providing us with an opportunity to escape from stressors.
When we embark on a journey, away from the familiar work environment and life scenes, it is like loosening from a tight string. The research of Koji Oguchi, a professor of modern psychology at Rikkyo University in Japan, confirms this well. He divided office workers aged 25 to 39 into three groups for experiments: one is to travel to experience sea therapy (or spa); the second is to have an immersive experience (sightseeing, picking, etc.); the third is not to travel. The experimental results show that the cortisol concentration of those who did not travel did not change, while the cortisol concentration of those who traveled decreased, especially those who experienced sea therapy. The cortisol concentration was lower and the pressure was relieved a lot.
In the new environment, we can slow down and breathe the free air to our heart’s content. Strolling along the beach, listening to the sound of waves hitting the beach, feeling the gentle touch of the sea breeze, the inner anxiety is gradually soothed; walking through the ancient streets and alleys, admiring the unique architecture and customs, curiosity is fully stimulated, and the troubles of work have long been forgotten. This kind of physical and mental relaxation can not only relieve the current pressure, but also re-energize us and return to life in a more positive state.
2.Broaden the boundaries of cognition
Travel is an outward exploration and an inward practice. When we set foot on different lands, we appreciate not only different scenery, but also diverse culture and unique lifestyles. During the journey, we witnessed the ancient buildings quietly telling the vicissitudes of history, experienced the cultural charm of traditional customs of different ethnic groups, and listened to the unique melodies interwoven in different languages. These are like keys that open a new door to our cognitive world.
In life, we often fall into a fixed mode of thinking, just like being bound by an invisible wall. And travel can help us break this wall. When we get in touch with people from different regions and understand their philosophy of life and ways of solving problems, our thinking will gradually become more open and tolerant. Just like the writer who encountered a creative bottleneck, he saw a “Sunshine Stainless” nameplate on a broken wall during his travels. He thought it was a poetic word, but when he got closer, he found that it was “Sunshine Stainless Steel Factory”. This unexpected discovery shocked his heart and brought new inspiration to his creation. If he had not embarked on a journey, he might never have such a harvest.
3.Encounter the colorful world
Travel is a grand encounter with beautiful things. When we embark on a journey, every step may meet a scenery that makes the soul excited, every bite can taste the food that touches the taste buds, and every communication can meet people who bring inspiration. These wonderful experiences, like sunshine and rain, nourish our souls.
During the journey, when we stand on the top of the mountain, overlooking the magnificent mountains and rivers, the continuous mountains meandering at our feet, and the clouds lingering in the mountains, the shock and joy are beyond words; when we stroll along the seaside, watching the afterglow of the sunset dye the sky and the sea into a golden color, and the waves gently lapping the beach, our hearts are filled with a sense of tranquility and beauty. These beautiful views can stimulate the brain to secrete happy hormones, allowing us to forget our troubles and immerse ourselves in the happiness of the moment. Food is also an indispensable part of travel. When we taste the local specialties, the satisfaction of the taste buds will bring a pleasant feeling and make our mood particularly comfortable. When we communicate with the locals, understand their life stories, and feel their hospitality, those warm moments will also become a bright spot in our hearts.
4.Break through the comfort zone
Travel is a brave march into the unknown, and every trip is a powerful breakthrough in the comfort zone of oneself. During the journey, we often encounter various challenges, which are like the cornerstones of growth, helping us to continue to transform.
Language barriers are undoubtedly a common problem in cross-border travel. When we are in a foreign country, the language environment around us becomes unfamiliar. The feeling of being unable to communicate smoothly is like an invisible barrier, making people feel helpless and confused. But it is in such a predicament that we have learned to break the language barrier with the help of various tools and methods. For example, learn some basic local language common phrases in advance, use translation software to communicate with locals, and use gestures and expressions to help express your ideas. In this process, we gradually overcome our inner fears and learn to communicate and understand others in new ways.
Route planning is also a big challenge in travel. When we come to a strange city, facing the intricate traffic routes and numerous attractions, how to arrange the itinerary reasonably has become a task that tests wisdom. We need to consult a lot of information in advance, understand the local traffic conditions, the distribution of attractions and the opening hours, and make a detailed travel plan. In this process, we not only exercised our ability to collect and organize information, but also learned how to flexibly adjust plans according to actual conditions and deal with various emergencies.
5.Connect interpersonal ties
Travel is a wonderful social feast that builds a bridge for us to communicate with others. During the journey, we have the opportunity to meet friends from all over the world, share the joy and emotion of travel with them, and expand our social circle; at the same time, in-depth communication and cooperation with fellow travelers can also make our relationship closer.
Travel is also a great opportunity to enhance the relationship with travel companions. Traveling with family, in the process of exploring new places together, we have more time to spend together, share each other’s joys and sorrows, and the relationship that is usually alienated due to busyness can be brought closer, and the family relationship becomes deeper. Traveling with friends, facing the challenges and surprises of the journey together, those moments of laughing together and overcoming difficulties together have become precious memories of our friendship, making the friendship stronger.
Travel allows us to cross the boundaries of region and identity, meet like-minded friends, and gain sincere emotions. These warm interpersonal relationships not only enrich our travel experience, but also add a touch of bright color to our lives. In the days to come, no matter what difficulties we encounter, thinking of the good times spent with others on the journey, our hearts will be full of strength.
