A lot of studies have been done linking travel to decreasing the risk of heart disease in both men and women. Most of these studies have to do with mental health, stress relief, and brain stimulation.
“The Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, in partnership with the U.S. Travel Assn., has released research that shows travel offers the same sort of physical and cognitive benefits as crossword puzzles or museum visits.” — Los Angeles Times
But what if traveling helped more than just mental health? Of course good mental health promotes better physical health, but what if travel influenced people physically (directly)?
I have a theory. I have no scientific proof for this theory, but I really think I’m onto something here! Hear me out…
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“Everything Causes Cancer”
I know that sounds harsh, and I don’t meant to offend anyone – this is just something that I hear a lot when I say things like “heating plastic in the microwave isn’t healthy.”
So it got me thinking…
No matter where in the world you live, there is going to be something in that area that is not healthy for you. Some areas have a higher percentage of people who are sick, probably due to something in the water. Or in Japan, maybe the radiation. Or in other parts of Asia, maybe the pollution. Or living under telephone lines for 30 years. Or if you live near the North Pole, maybe the magnetic fields aren’t the healthiest for 50 years time. Or in Australia, the O-Zone layer is thinner. I’m sure if I kept at this for another 10 minutes, I would have a list of at least 50 places in the world that aren’t the healthiest to live in for an extended period of time…
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Everything in Moderation
OK, so let’s change gears: I’m a firm believer that everything in moderation is key. If you are craving a piece of chocolate cake, eat it. Have a beer or two per night, even if it’s a Tuesday. Buy yourself that new shirt you’ve been eyeing for awhile. No matter if it’s sweets, alcohol, food, money, exercise, TV, etc., small doses of everything is actually healthy.
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And Traveling?
So what’s this have to do with traveling and not living in one location for awhile? Well, if you live in one location for 40 years, then whatever “bad stuff” is in that area, your body has been exposed to and absorbing for all those years (something in the water, radiation, bad vibes from annoying neighbors, etc). Whatever it is that you’re absorbing, a long period of time being exposed to it just can’t be healthy!
If you travel the world, or even move regularly (every few years), I honestly believe that your body will be healthier in the long run. Sure, if you live in a radiation area that can’t be a good thing, but it’s better than people who live there their entire lives, isn’t it? One year probably won’t have any effect on you – especially if it gets you away from something else that you might not even know existed where you previously lived! How many people have lived somewhere for years thinking they were perfectly safe only to find out there was something wrong with (fill in the blank)?? The answer is: a lot. There are lawsuits every day about stuff like this.
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Moral of the Story
Travel the world. Settle down, sure, but then move and settle down again. Do this often throughout your life. Experience the world, learn, go outside your comfort zone, and give your body the moderation it needs. Find a way to do this, and live a longer, healthier life!
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What Do You Think?
Do you agree? I’m curious about others’ opinions. Do you think that traveling long-term could actually promote better health? Why or why not? Let’s hear what you think in the comments below!
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