Everyone needs a holiday now and again. Breaking away from usual routines helps to reduce stress, clear the mind and relax the body.
Not taking time to escape can increase the risk of burnout and contribute to deteriorating mental health.
If you’re not accustomed to taking breaks or planning time away, it can be difficult to know what will truly help you to relax and recuperate.
Here are some holiday themes to inspire your next trip.
Getting closer to nature
Spending time in nature can be great for your mental health, so why not plan your next holiday around it? Research shows that exposure to nature can boost happiness and mood while fighting anxiety, stress and depression.
Holidays in natural surroundings could include walking tours in beautiful landscapes, camping adventures through the wilderness or star gazing in the Arctic Circle. If you’re an animal lover, why not try a wildlife-watching holiday?
Mindfulness retreats
Distance yourself from the stresses and strains of daily life with a mindfulness retreat. Connect your mind and body in a spiritual environment, guided by meditation professionals or trusting your methods.
Mindfulness retreats are increasing in popularity and can include activities such as yoga, meditation and general wellness therapies. You can find a serene location and take time to rediscover your inner peace before you return home with fresh perspectives.
Cultural immersion
Escape your usual surroundings and integrate yourself into a completely new world with cultural immersion. These experiences transport your mind and body away from familiarity, giving you a chance to reset, establish new perspectives and evaluate elements of your own life.
You could spend a few weeks or months in a country completely new to you or offer to help in a different environment. The further you can get away from what you know, the more refreshing and restorative you may find the experience.
Volunteer travel
If you enjoy helping others, why not consider volunteer travel? It’s not just for young adults, anyone can give their time in return for life-changing experiences. Volunteering can do wonders for life satisfaction and reduce stress, depression and anxiety.
Help a community become more sustainable or teach children how to speak English in deprived regions. Connect with others around the world and see your own issues in a completely new light when you return.
Taking a holiday can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Why not use one of the concepts above to plan your next trip?