How travel supports our mental health and helps us navigate grief

Life is a journey full of highs and lows. Many of us will face mental health challenges at some point, and everyone unfortunately experiences grief in their lifetime. It's absolutely ok to let yourself feel these feelings when they happen - healthy even. But the problem is when you get stuck in the black hole…. not moving forward… and can’t move back. This is where having the courage to travel comes in.

Travel can have a real impact on helping us heal. New perspectives, experiences and the time and headspace available is so important in these times. In this blog, we want to explore how travel can be medicine for the soul. It can help us to work through the trauma of grief, manage mental health issues and much more.

Travel can help you to process grief

Image: Eva Darron on Unsplash

Joyful Anticipation

In the thick of lockdown, the social isolation and restrictions took a toll on many people’s mental well-being. While plenty didn’t miss having to trek to the office everyday, we all struggled with the loss of human contact and cabin fever. A 2020 study by a group of travel organisations found that 97% of people felt a boost in happiness when they planned a future trip during this time. This sense reminds us of the concept of "vorfreude," a term that was shared with us by avid travellers Trevor and Dee who recently contributed to our blog. Vorfreude means “joyful anticipation”, and it highlights how looking forward to something positive can hugely uplift the spirit. 

Conscious Grief

Travel can also offer a conscious way for us to process grief.  By stepping away from our daily routines - even if this involves leaving behind the people that we love - we gain a fresh perspective on our feelings. It isn’t by any means a magic pill, but whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, a relationship breakup, or another emotionally challenging situation, immersing yourself in a new environment gives you the space and clarity to work through your emotions.

Taking Back Control

Sadly, trauma and grief can often leave us feeling powerless. Making the decision to plan and take a trip is one small way you can take back control. The same study above found that 74% of people surveyed agreed that they felt more in control of their lives by planning a trip. Although this study was conducted during the pandemic, it seems to us that whatever trauma you are dealing with, taking charge of your travel plans can rekindle a sense of normalcy and direction in your life, helping you look to the future.

Take back control by booking a trip

Image: CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

After experiencing a trauma it can be hard to think clearly about the kind of trip you want to do, how long you want to go for and what feels appropriate for where you’re at right now. That’s how we can help - at Retire and Roam we offer the support needed to work it through together. We understand that this process isn't an an overnight thing - you need the time and space to figure out the right trip for you. 

Travel isn’t just about escaping; it's about finding new ways to heal, rejuvenate, and gain a new perspective. As you consider your next steps, remember that things will be ok and we’re sending hugs your way. 

You can read more here about Kiarna’s own experience of travel and how it helped her in the quest to find life ‘less weird’ after her Mum passed away. In setting up Retire & Roam, Kiarna's goal is to help anyone who needs to find their space to escape, achieve their travel dreams and never regret a thing.

Featured cover image: Hendrik Schuette on Unsplash