COVID has dashed many travel dreams this year, causing frustration and FOMO as we roll into the next phase of the pandemic.
But putting travel on hold doesn’t have to halt the high we get when planning a trip. Research shows that, while we benefit from physically breaking away from the norm, the thrill of planning and anticipating an adventure can be just as beneficial to our well-being.
While a big trip might be out of the picture for now, the act of planning low-key getaways can boost your mental health with similar effects.
Some ideas for short trips:
- Explore local and state parks you haven’t been to within driving or walking distance.
- Visit your local zoo or botanical garden (avoiding indoor exhibits).
- Sketch out and take a daylong, roundtrip road trip (for the music, snacks and scenery).
- Plan a picnic in a nearby city: Once you get there, order takeaway from a chef-y restaurant to enjoy in an outdoor space.
- Research popular murals in and around your city, and plot an afternoon around taking photos at each of them.
Tags: Self-care