Packing Light, Unpacking Heavy
My mental health journey hasn’t exactly followed a straight path. If anything, it’s been more like a winding road with unexpected detours and a fair amount of potholes along the way. And if I’m being honest, there are times when I’ve felt terribly lost or stuck, unsure of where to go next. There are times I still do, with lately being one of them. But, through it all, I’m learning something important: it’s okay not to have everything figured out. What matters most is how we navigate the twists and turns; how we find our way even when the road gets bumpy.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been someone who sees life in stark contrasts. Things often feel black or white, and I find it hard to live in the grey areas. It’s a pattern I wrestle with daily, and let’s be real here - I don’t always win that fight. But over time, I’m coming to understand that peace often lies somewhere in that grey space. It’s the nuance, the uncertainty, the messy middle that, for me, can be really difficult to sit with. Yet, embracing those grey areas is teaching me a lot about patience and self-compassion, two things I don’t always fully practice or am completely comfortable with.
One thing has remained constant throughout this journey of mental health, though, and that’s travel. Now, before you think I’m talking about taking a flight to some faraway destination (though, yes, that would be nice), let me clarify. Travel, for me, doesn’t always mean going somewhere exotic. It can be something as simple as finding a peaceful spot to sit or walking through my city and paying attention to the little things I usually miss. These moments of stillness have become essential pieces of my mental health toolkit.
It’s always struck me as odd how we still tend to treat mental health as this taboo topic. We don’t blink an eye when someone talks about a physical injury. In fact, we rush to the patient with tips and compassion. But when it comes to our emotional or mental well-being, we often feel like we’re breaking some unwritten rule by simply mentioning it. Why is that?
Mental health is just as important, if not more so, than physical health. So why do we struggle to give it the same care and attention? For me, part of breaking that silence has been confronting my mental health head-on, using travel as one of the tools in my toolkit.
Taking a break from the everyday grind - even if it’s only for a short while - does wonders for my mind. When I travel, I’m not just going to a new place; I’m creating space for myself to step away, breathe, and reset. It’s like taking that first deep breath after holding it in for too long. It’s a moment of enormous relief; of allowing myself the chance to just be.
Travel, in its simplest form, is more than a way to see new places; it’s a chance to see myself in a new light. Sometimes, just changing my surroundings for a bit is enough to help me gain perspective on the things that have been weighing me down. The world is so much bigger than my worries, and stepping outside of my usual routine helps me realize that, even when things feel heavy, they are just a small part of a much bigger picture.
For me, travel isn’t about escaping life. It’s about carving out a little space within it. Whether it’s a quiet moment under a tree or a spontaneous trip to a nearby town, these experiences help untangle the knots in my mind. In those moments, I give myself the gift of silence, the gift of presence, and the chance to process (and maybe even cry about) everything that’s been building up.
The mental health benefits of travel are profound, but they go beyond simply getting away from it all. Travel teaches me to slow down and be present. It forces me to engage with my surroundings in ways that I might miss in my everyday rush. Whether I’m hiking a trail or sitting by the ocean, those moments of stillness, of being fully immersed in the here and now, help me reconnect with myself and find peace.
Travel has also taught me how to face my fears. Every time I step out of my comfort zone - whether it’s navigating a new place or trying something unfamiliar -I build resilience. And that’s one of the greatest gifts of travel, as it reminds me that I’m capable of handling challenges, even when they seem daunting. It’s the small victories, the quiet accomplishments, that have the biggest impact on my mental well-being. With each new step, I gain confidence in myself and my ability to face whatever comes next.
Beyond all of that, travel fosters empathy. Meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and learning about the diverse ways others live is a reminder that we’re more connected than we sometimes realize. These moments of connection not only help me understand the world more deeply, but also teach me to be kinder, both to others and to myself. It’s through these interactions that I’ve found a stronger emotional fortitude, one that allows me to face my struggles with greater compassion.
At the end of the day, travel is so much more than just a way to see new places. It’s about finding stillness amidst the chaos. It’s about taking a step back to reflect on the inner workings of my mind and heart, those parts of me that often get drowned out by the noise of daily life.
Every trip - whether a grand adventure or a quiet walk through my neighbourhood - brings me closer to understanding myself. I’m a journey of self-discovery, and with each mindful step, I’m learning to embrace me - imperfections and all.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, I encourage you to give travel a try. It doesn’t have to be a grand vacation or some far-off adventure. It can be a simple change of scenery, even if it’s just stepping outside for a moment to clear your head. That shift, no matter how small, can make all the difference.
I suppose what I’m trying to say is ‘travel with intention.’ It’s been a game-changer for me, and I truly hope you’ll give it a shot and see how it feels for you. Who knows? You may find that it’s not just the scenery that changes for the better - it’s you, too!