There is nothing quite like travelling to new places and meeting new people. We stop worrying about the world when we travel, and so, anxiety does not even get a chance to hit us. The pandemic has been a nightmare for a lot of us, forcing us to be home-arrested for months. But if you are feeling a little stressed by forgoing travel, you are not alone. According to the 2020 Amex Trendex, a trend report from American Express, lack of travel is taking an emotional toll in a lot of people. The reports concluded that 48% people felt stressed and anxious because of not travelling and 78% felt travelling is one of the top activities they miss during the pandemic. But staying indoors may hurt your emotional health in many ways. Here’s how:
1. We Are Isolating Ourselves
There is enough research stating, social connection is one of the most effective ways to prevent and cure depression. Lack of socialising and travel is leading us back to isolation. So, even if you cannot step out, let us make it a point to connect with our travel buddies on Zoom. Forget Work From Home Instead Work From Mountains Of Manali, Kasol & Tirthan; Here’s How
2. We Are Not Going Out In Nature
With the pandemic upon us, a lot of us do not even remember the last time we were surrounded by green? Getting out into nature has been shown to foster feelings of mindfulness and calm. Even if you cannot take a vacay to a hill station right now, try to fit a walk outside daily, even if it’s for only five minutes!
3. We Are Not Getting Enough Sunshine
Sometimes all your body and mind need is rest. Sunshine is a great way to bust stress, giving you a dose of mood-boosting vitamin D and increasing the brain’s serotonin to make you happy. When you do not have a way to leave behind your work stress, your emotional health can take a toll.
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4. We Are Missing Out On Ecotherapy
Immersing yourself and connecting with nature is one of the best ways to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. So when you are not getting this ecotherapy, you are not in the best of your mood and energy levels. 6 Surprising Ways To Create More Space In Your Home.
5. Staying Indoors Is Making Us Stressed
The benefits of travel go beyond meeting new people and making memories. Getting out of our comfort zones and meeting new people has a remarkable positive impact on our emotional well-being. So when we are missing travel, we are also missing all the benefits.
We don’t need to be on edge to be somewhat depressed. It can be as simple as a few prolonged days of choosing sweatpants and ice cream over coffee during travel and the sooner we deal with it, the better.