Traveling can be an immense experience for inner exploration, because, among other things, it helps us adapt, change, and learn. Over the years in contrast to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I’ve found that I do some of my best thinking while being on the road where i can relax and philosophize. Then, it is common to have long train rides, plane journeys or bus commutes that leave me just enough time to sit back, stare out the window, and reflect.
To me, traveling is just going somewhere, anywhere, whether familiar or new. It doesn’t matter if it’s the next town, a mountain peak or a new country on the other side of the world. The outer journey should assist us with the inner one. Personally, this connection between the outer journey and the inner search, is easiest when spending time in nature, after all, it is a great healer.
Most of us today live in cities and spend less time in natural spaces, especially compared to generations before us. But we have only lived indoors for a tiny fraction of our existence as a species. We have developed hand in hand with nature, and we seem to know instinctively that spending time in nature is a good thing.
Indeed, scientific research has shown that nature experiences have multiple health benefits for both the bodily and the psychological spheres. For example, people who have long visits to nature have lower rates of depression, and high blood pressure, as well as higher social cohesion, compared to people who visited nature less.
Adventure travel most of the times involves spending time in the outdoors. This has therapeutic benefits in and of itself. Getting away from the day to day pressures of daily life, as well as being surrounded by spectacular natural beauty, breathing fresh air, and listening to the unique and often tranquil sounds, can boost anyone’s spirits and help them gain a new appreciation for life.
So next time you hear someone tell you, “take a hiking trip,” you might want to thank them for looking out for your health and well-being.
Written by Dimitris Papageorgiou
