Seven Reasons Why Travel is Good For Your Brain

Are you feeling too tied down by work to get away for that badly needed vacation?

It turns out, you are not alone. The average American only takes half of their vacation time, and we have less vacation time than any other developed country!

Many of us feel too guilty for taking time off. We don’t want to perceived as that employee that doesn’t take their work seriously.   We struggle to let go of our never ending to do list.

But taking time off is good for our brains.   So if you need a good excuse to take that vacation, you can tell your boss all the reasons why it will help you work smarter and harder:

 

Reason #1: It makes you more open-minded

When we travel, we open our minds to new experiences, and when we travel abroad, we are exposed to new ways of thinking. It increases cognitive flexibility, which also enhance creativity and problem solving.

Reason #2: It makes you more creative

When we are exposed to new ideas, we have more to incorporate into our realms of possibility when it comes to creative projects.

Reason #3: It makes us better problem solvers

Being exposed to new ideas also gives us more avenues for problem solving. When we are more relaxed, and in a more open-minded state, we are also better able to see the big picture. Being able to step back from the problem also helps with problem solving.

Reason #4: It makes us more focused.

A relaxed brain can focus more easily. The benefits apply especially when we spend time in nature.  We even focus better after looking at images of nature!

 

Reason #5 It makes us bolder

Traveling takes us out of our comfort zone and forces us to try new things. The more things we try, the more courage we develop to stretch beyond our comfort zone.

Reason #6: It makes us happier and more alive.

Taking the time to experience things we’ve wanted to see It can be a great way to process loss too. Traveling takes us out of our old patterns of thinking, and exposes us to beauty and to inspiration, reminding us that there still is much to look forward to.

Reason #7: It makes us more productive

A study talked to HR managers, and the large majority agreed that employees who take vacations are more productive, have higher performance and greater job satisfaction. In a separate study, employees who took all of their vacation time were more likely to get a raise or promotion than employees who did not.

Know anyone who hasn’t taken a vacation for awhile? Share this article with them!