After weeks of social distancing due to the Covid-19 infestation, we think travel is in order to help preserve our mental health.
Psychological experts say the whole notion of social distancing sounds dire – and we agree. We’re being told to stay away from other people and sequester ourselves. The orders are to remain in our homes and if we do go out to wear a face mask, gloves and hold back from other people. All of this just goes against our nature.
Even when you’re totally healthy, not having social interactions can hurt both your physical and mental well being. We have read that loneliness can lead to diabetes, autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis or lupus) and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, if you’re already prone to depression, anxiety, and loneliness, you can be hit even harder under current circumstances.
The Solution
But here at Florida Fun Travel we have the answer – travel. Having a change of scenery, even if it is just a couple of hours down the road, can work wonders. We can tell you that travel provides a number of benefits to our mental health.
Our research shows that travel is a great stress reliever. Getting away leads to lower cortisol levels, making us feel more calm and content. in fact, it has been our experience that getting out and about makes us excited. Plus, finding new places and overcoming the challenges of a new place gives us confidence and gives us an overall sense of well being.
Once we get in the car and head out, it’s a new adventure. Our creativity is rolling. We begin to plan almost immediately and start our research on TripAdvisor and other sites as we get ready to have some fun.
So there you have it. We can tell you that travel can help revive you, relieve stress, develop greater coping mechanisms, enhance pleasure and can even spur weight loss.
That’s right! In our travels we have walked a lot. We have taken long strolls on many different beaches. We have ambled through large farmer’s markets such as the one in Sarasota, and toured vast shopping areas like Pine Avenue at Anna Maria Island and the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs.
These are great walks with plenty to see and do along the way and that’s something we still can do.
There’s something about going somewhere new that changes your whole mindset on things.
Current Conditions
Of course, current conditions have put a cramp in our style. But that only means we have to be more creative. We recently wrote about how this quarantine has sparked a new relationship with our automobiles.
We have experienced drive-in movies, drive-in restaurants and even drive-in church services. Additionally, we have taken some long drives on the back roads of Florida and along some of the adjoining keys that are wonderful getaways. We certainly can recommend Manasota Key as a scenic and calming drive (plus the beaches there recently reopened).
it is amazing how taking a different route can open a new adventure.
As we write this, the conditions are ever changing as the powers that be #ReOpenFlorida. There is light at the end of the tunnel after weeks of lockdown, quarantine and unnerving conditions.
We have had to adapt. One of the first things was learning how to order over the internet,pick up our meal in a bag then eat comfortably in our car. W
Although the funky shops we enjoy so much are closed. We still have been reduced to window shopping for the time being. But all that being said – we have been able to travel and have a fun time.
It’s Time to Feel Better
For us, mental health and travel go hand-in-hand. The more travel, the greater our mental health. As always, for the greatest therapeutic value we remind you to take your fun with you. It’s a great cure for isolation and social distancing.