Inner you
After the travel disruptions of the past two years, getting away from it all has never seemed so welcome. Caroline Butterwick shares how to make the most of it
Iam sitting in the sun by the lapping waters of Lake Garda, laughing with the waiter as we try making conversation in Italian. We talk about his favourite places to visit locally, from the best lakeside towns to beautiful rocky walks, and my husband and I leave the restaurant with stomachs full of good pizza and minds full of ideas. Joyous moments like this stay with us long after we’ve returned home. ‘Giving yourself physical as well as mental distance from stress is a great way to change your mindset,’ says Dr Noreen Nguru, who runs What The Doctor Recommends, a wellness and travel consultancy*.
She explains how travel links to neuroplasticity, when new experiences help create neural pathways in our brains: ‘You’re refreshing your brain when you’re travelling. And that leads to more creativity, increased confidence and an overall state of happiness.’
Travelling can lead to personal growth – greater emotional agility, empathy and creativity. Here’s how to pack your bags with intent…
UNDERSTAND YOUR TRAVEL STYLE
While researching where we’re holidaying can be part of the fun, it’s easy to try to pack in too much. But part of travelling mindfully is about taking a step back to consider what really matters. If you have a hectic lifestyle, don’t try to replicate this on holiday, otherwise it won’t be a break. Dr Nguru suggests incorporating slower days, rather than making it one big to-do list. This can help you keep up your energy levels and truly enjoy the things you do make time for. It’s worth asking yourself what kind of traveller you are. I’ve discovered I like a mix of experiences – in Fuerteventura, we’d alternate a day exploring the island’s dramatic volcanic landscape with a more relaxing day on the beach. Others may prefer a week of relaxation, while some may be ‘experience seekers’ and get a thrill from a busy schedule. Understand what matters to you, rather than what you think you should be doing.
LEARN THE LANGUAGE
Taking the trouble to learn at least a few phrases before you go away can make a world of difference to your holiday. There’s the practical side, of course: being able to read a menu or ask for directions is definitely helpful. More than that, it can lead to conversations with local people that you’d miss out on otherwise. There are lots of resources out there – Ilike the website memrise.com. It’s free to use and teaches you practical phrases.
UNPLUG AND SOAK UP WHERE YOU ARE
One of the benefits of travel is having different experiences. We can listen to Spotify or our favourite podcasts anywhere. According to the NHS’s guide to min
