It’s no surprise that a new study from Australia’s Edith Cowan University found that travel is a solid defense against premature aging. This interdisciplinary study has applied the theory of entropy to tourism, finding that while negative travel experiences may contribute to an increase in entropy and decrease in overall health, positive experiences may ease the progression of entropy, enhancing overall health.
According to PhD candidate Ms. Fangli Hu “aging, as a process, is irreversible. While it can’t be stopped, it can be slowed down.” Hu notes that “exposure to novel environments, engagement in physical activities and social interaction, and the fostering of positive emotions” is essential to slowing down the aging process.
Researchers are calling “travel therapy” a “groundbreaking health intervention.” Often associated with travel are joyous or relaxing activities, which can alleviate stress, which is a prime cause of premature aging. Travel can also elevate metabolic rates and promote your body’s natural self-organizing capabilities. In essence “the self-defense system becomes more resilient. Hormones conducive to tissue repair and regeneration may be released and promote the self-healing system’s functioning,” said Hu.
Not only can travel have benefits for physical health, but it greatly impacts mental health as well. Positive travel experiences and exposure to novel locations frequently can increase brain activity, facilitate new social interactions, and boost creativity. According to the World Travelers and Tourism Council, a great benefit of travel can also be an improved outlook on life. Traveling to beautiful destinations, experiencing new cultures, and sharing memories with family and friends abroad can contribute to a broadened sense of gratitude and excitement for the future. Not to mention, much needed time out of office has been shown to increase productivity by 94%, according to a study of 400 travelers from the Harvard Business Review.
Grab you PASSPORT and start traveling!
