*Want a chance to win a holiday worth $10,000? Stay tuned til the end to find out how!*
Travelling is a beautiful thing.
It helps you discover things about yourself you never knew, challenges you in ways you never thought possible, and can bring so much happiness you will want to keep travelling for the rest of your life.
In other words, travelling is really good for the mind, body and soul.
But sadly, not enough people are taking the time for it.
Did you know that New Zealand workers are among the most holiday-deprived in the world? Many Kiwis don’t take their allocated annual leave, with the average having 20 days available but only using 15.
Travelling is a great reward for working hard all year, and holidays are vital to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
If you need a little extra encouragement, here are some great reasons for you to go ahead and treat yourself to that well-deserved holiday.
Good for the Mind
It should come as no surprise that travel is proven to increase levels of happiness, reduce symptoms of depression, and relieve stress.
Even just planning a holiday gives joy! How many of you have used an official holiday countdown? That's because you know you’re going to enjoy the heck out of yourself.
When you're on holiday, you have the freedom to sleep in, stay up late, throw away schedules and do whatever you please.
If you choose to spend your days relaxing, all of that fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your health – with benefits almost immediately. A study showed that 89% of people see significant drops in stress after only a day or two on vacation.
Or if you’re an adventurous traveller like myself and enjoy using your holiday to lose yourself in new cultures, explore historical sites and try unfamiliar cuisines and activities, this actually helps keep your mind sharp!
When you’re constantly on the go from being immersed in a foreign environment with language barriers and time constraints, studies show the brain starts rewiring itself and develops cognitive flexibility and creativity.
Travel is good for your Body
Aside from time spent sitting on your behind to get to your destination - travelling opens up a whole lot of opportunities to be more active than usual.
When I travel, I love exploring new cities by foot. It’s the best way to get amongst the locals and discover hidden gems.
I often walk up to 30,000 steps a day – over 22 kilometres (sometimes 6x more often than what I usually do!).
Whether it be by exploring a new place by foot or bicycle, taking part in your resort's morning yoga class, swimming at the pool or beach, going on a local hike, a surfing lesson or trying a new extreme sport - there's plenty of chances to get moving and actually enjoy yourself too.
Travel is good for the Soul
Finally, in my experience, travelling can do wonders for your self-confidence.
Before I travelled overseas, I was shy and reserved. I didn't talk to strangers, I wouldn't have been caught dead in a bikini in public and I didn't know how to face simple challenges alone.
Now that I have seen the world, I have opened up myself in turn. I discovered that I love meeting new people from all corners and immersing myself in new cultures. A simple challenge that once would have floored me, now sees me facing them head on without a concern.
Travel helps to nourish your soul as you learn invaluable life lessons and more about yourself.
It makes you adaptable, patient, grateful, kinder and more confident as you gain experience, accomplish challenges and learn that you are extremely capable of anything and everything.
Whether it be local or global, all forms of travel enrich our lives.
Through travelling, we can reduce stress, keep our body well inside and out, and boost brain and mental health - all contributing to a happier and healthier life.
So what are you waiting for? Use that overdue leave, take control of your well-being, and plan that next getaway now!
Be in to Win a Holiday with nib New Zealand
This post is brought to you by one of New Zealand’s leading health insurance providers, nib – because they know when it comes to looking after yourself, taking time out is just as important as the right health cover.
They’re giving you the chance to win a holiday worth $10,000 to Tokyo, Honolulu, the Gold Coast, or another destination of your choice!
All you have to do is get a quote for health insurance between now and the 28th of June 2018 and you’re in the draw – check it out here!
Open to New Zealand residents only. Read the full terms and conditions here.
Good luck to everyone who enters!
Happy Travels,
