Needless to say, life truly does seem to have a way of just throwing curveballs when we least expect them, right? Whether it’s hitting rock bottom, dealing with the loss of a loved one, enduring the pain of a breakup, or navigating the tumultuous waters of a divorce, the rough patches we encounter can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed.
Honestly, all of these are way too much to handle, and if you’re under a lot of stress, you’re just going to crack. It’s hard, and usually, one thing after the other will just keep happening, which is only going to make matters far more difficult as well. It’s hard to manage stress at rock bottom, truly. It’s honestly really hard to climb out of rock bottom, especially if you’re expected to outright deal with it all, too.
Besides, during these moments of darkness, the thought of an escape might seem like a fleeting dream. Almost as if it’s just far too good to be true, right? After all, how are you going to do that? Could something like that actually even help? Well, that’s the thing: travel, even just a temporary getaway, could be a balm for your soul. You know how traveling just feels super nourishing?
You know you feel like a whole new person? Well, that’s the goal honestly. It’s about that nourhsing feeling. So, with that all said, go ahead and buckle up, here’s exactly how traveling can offer a much-needed respite and aid in the healing process.
It’s Time to Do What You Want
When it comes to traveling, there are two different types of travelers. There are the ones who try to rush and see everything as quickly as they can, and then there are the others who embrace slow travel, taking their time to see what they want when they want. Now, needless to say, one is slightly less stressful than the other.
During this time, you need to heal. If you’re cramming every destination in existence, all you’re basically doing is leaving yourself stranded and stressed out. Trying to cram everything in together all at once is super stressful. So, are you sure you’d want to do that to yourself?
Ideally, during travel, let this be the time when you go at a slow pace; you just go with the flow. Plus, slow travel is about enjoying your surroundings, and that can even mean your accommodation.
For example, if you stay on an Airbnb by yourself, you can just take all the time you need in a day, and there’s just no stress. You can do relaxing activities in the accommodation itself, such as playing a relaxing and slow game of Mahjong on your tablet next to the pool. Honestly, what’s not to love there? Then afterward, head out and explore the area. So it’s all about going at a slow pace and just letting yout worries melt away. You owe this to yourself.
The Power of Change in Scenery
So this is piggybacking on what’s being said above, but regardless of what type of traveler you are, it’s the change of scenery that’s going to help the most. When you’re stuck in a cycle of pain and sorrow, your immediate environment often mirrors your internal turmoil.
The walls of your home, the streets of your neighborhood, and even your favorite coffee shop can become reminders of the pain you’re enduring. This is where travel steps in as a gentle yet powerful disruptor. So, just by changing your surroundings, you can break free from the constant reminders of your struggles.
Here’s a nice scenario to think about. So, just imagine standing on a serene beach, feeling the cool breeze against your face, and watching the sun dip below the horizon. You’re far away from home, you’re on another continent, you’re in Indonesia, so thousands upon thousands of miles away. The vastness of the ocean can make your problems seem smaller and more manageable. Maybe you’re into something more engaging with the sense?
Well, then consider wandering through a bustling foreign market, where the sights, sounds, and smells are so different from what you’re used to that your mind can’t help but focus on the present moment. These experiences can provide a much-needed mental break, allowing you to gain new perspectives and, if only for a while, set aside your worries.
Reconnecting with Yourself
During hard periods, you tend to lose and forget who you are; everyone deals with this. But travel offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with yourself. When life gets tough, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and what you need. You just forget that you need to take care of yourself, too. You need to think about your wants. So, with that said, taking a trip, whether solo or with close friends, can help you rediscover parts of yourself that have been buried under layers of stress and sadness.
On a solo journey, you have the freedom to set your own pace and follow your own whims. You can wake up early to catch the sunrise, spend hours reading a book in a quaint café, or embark on an impromptu hike. These moments of solitude allow for deep reflection and self-discovery. You’ll find that the quiet moments in unfamiliar places can be incredibly therapeutic, offering you the chance to listen to your inner voice and figure out what you truly need to heal.
Best for Building New Memories
One of the most beautiful aspects of travel is the creation of new memories. When you’re grappling with painful experiences, it can feel like those memories are all that define you. Traveling gives you the chance to build a fresh collection of moments that are filled with joy, wonder, and excitement.
Actually, that’s one of the main reasons why people go out and travel anyway; it’s all due to those incredible and unforgettable memories that get made. Now, you can’t, and you won’t forget the hard time back at home, but for now, there’s this masking feeling that sort of helps you get rid of it for the time being.
Connecting with Others
This is the challenging part, so you really have to keep in mind that human connection is a fundamental aspect of healing. But at the same time, when you feel like you have hit rock bottom, it’s hard to get up, right? It’s just way too hard to bounce back up from that. It’s also hard because depending on what traumatic or awful thing happened to you, either you’re going to get love and support, harassment, or you might choose to isolate yourself. It’s all going to vary, really.
But how can travel help? Isn’t it known for being isolating? Well, travel pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages you to engage with the world around you. The people you meet along the way can offer new perspectives, share their own stories of resilience, and remind you that you’re not alone in your struggles. These interactions can be incredibly uplifting and help you feel a sense of belonging, even far from home.
Embracing the Unknown
Life’s difficulties often come with a sense of uncertainty and loss of control. Travel, with all its unpredictability, can teach you to embrace the unknown and find beauty in spontaneity. Whether it’s navigating a foreign transit system, trying to communicate in a different language, or adjusting to cultural differences, these challenges can help you develop resilience and adaptability.
When you successfully navigate these hurdles, it builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment. You start to realize that if you can handle the uncertainties of travel, you can also face the uncertainties in your personal life. This newfound strength can be a powerful tool in your healing journey.
Nature Has a Way of Healing
Usually, when someone feels down, one of the biggest pieces of advice they’ll get is to go out in nature, even if it means just walking through a park. There’s something inherently soothing about nature. Whether you’re hiking through a dense forest, standing at the edge of a majestic waterfall, or simply sitting under a star-filled sky, nature has a way of calming the mind and healing the soul. Travel allows you to immerse yourself in these natural wonders, providing a sanctuary away from the chaos of everyday life. Of course, it depends on where you’re going, as not all of these are equal.
The Journey to Self-Compassion
Traveling during tough times is not just about escaping reality; it’s about finding compassion for yourself. If you think about it, you’re just taking a break from reality to regain a sense of control. It’s a recognition that you deserve a break, a change, and a chance to heal. It’s about giving yourself permission to experience joy and wonder, even in the midst of pain.
This basically gives you that breathing room that you need to reflect on everything that’s happened, to truly think, to ask yourself some questions, and yes, to give yourself the love and the compassion that you need.
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