wellness tips
Feeling Burnt Out? Travel Might Be the Fix
Jennifer Garcia | February 11, 2025
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Burnout is a growing issue among educators—40% reported feeling exhausted in a 2022 study, with stress and workplace pressures increasing the risk. But here’s the good news: recharging with travel is a powerful and proven way to combat burnout. The anticipation of a trip, that countdown to an adventure where relaxation takes priority, offers real health benefits. Research continues to explore the link between travel and well-being, but one thing is clear: stepping away—whether for a staycation in your hometown or a cruise through the continents—helps mitigate the effects of burnout. It isn’t so much about where you go or for how long, but the break from daily stressors that travel provides.
What is burnout, and why does it matter?
Burnout is a response to prolonged work stress that can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health. It is something that develops over time. It often happens when people overcommit themselves, pushing too hard to keep up with the demands of work. This constant pressure can cause them to distance themselves from their responsibilities in an effort to avoid total exhaustion. But this distancing doesn’t solve the problem; instead, it can lead to frustration, which only worsens feelings of burnout. Ultimately, it can erode confidence and encourage passive coping mechanisms. So, how can you break the cycle and fight burnout? Let’s dive into how a change of scenery might just be the thing you need.
How does travel help mitigate the effects of burnout?
A well-deserved break from the mental routine
Travel for stress relief is one of the most cited reasons for taking vacations. One of the key factors contributing to burnout is the constant mental strain of work. Travel has been shown to improve overall wellness because you are breaking from daily routines. According to Expedia’s 2022 Vacation Deprivation report, while 90% of Canadians consider vacation a basic right, nearly half don’t take their vacation days due to demanding work schedules. Travel offers the perfect way to step back, detach from daily stressors, and recharge. However, it's not about escaping problems—it's about using travel as a chance to reconnect with what brings joy, regain a sense of control, and return with a renewed perspective to tackle stress more effectively.
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Increased creativity
Could creativity really be chalked up to just going somewhere new? Yes, it could. Travel and creativity go hand in hand, as travel can spark creativity, a powerful antidote to burnout. When stepping outside familiar surroundings, brains are forced to adapt to new environments, which stimulates the part of the brain responsible for creative thought processes. Research has shown that spending time abroad, regardless of duration, enhances the ability to solve problems creatively. This is because neural pathways are moulded by experience and, with proper stimulation, the brain can change over time. Travel challenges neural pathways, encouraging new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Whether navigating a new culture or overcoming language barriers, these experiences activate creative thinking. By tapping into this creative potential, travel can provide a refreshing reset, helping to combat the exhaustion and frustration that often accompany burnout.
Reconnecting with yourself
Burnout can result in a lack of confidence in oneself which can create significant obstacles in one's professional career. Travel can offer moments for introspection on goals, values, and emotions which in turn can also prompt a sense of adventure and curiosity, reigniting passions or hobbies that might have been forgotten. By shifting mental energy to yourself and the plans ahead of you, it's possible to work through feelings of stress. A study conducted in 2018 on a group of middle managers found that a vacation improved their overall well-being for at least a month after their return. A reason for this was the increased feeling of connectivity, both to those around them and to themselves. By pushing outside of comfort zones, you rediscover who you are, what you love, and what you want to focus on, creating a mental reset that can boost confidence and clarity in life.
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Getting physical
Are you the type of traveller that likes exploring a new city on foot or swimming in the ocean for hours? Well, these Physical activities are actively making you better. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels—all of which are essential for combating burnout. Research has shown that regular exercise triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood boosters, helping to alleviate stress and enhance mental well-being. An added benefit has been improvement in the quality of sleep, which could lead to chronic heart disease and depression. A Japanese study suggested that a one-day trip to a park can help boost the immune system for a week! The mind-body connection benefits from all forms of travel—it offers the perfect opportunity to not only stay active but also experience the healing benefits of being outdoors and reconnecting with the world around.
Travel can be transformative, there is no doubt about it. While burnout can feel overwhelming, travel offers a powerful antidote by providing much-needed distance, fresh perspectives, and opportunities for self-reflection. By stepping away from the pressures of work, you give yourself the space to recharge, restore balance, and return with renewed energy to face challenges. So, whether it's a weekend staycation or a longer journey, use travel as a tool for healing and rejuvenation. Your health, and your career, will thank you.
