There’s something so blissful about packing up and getting away from the exhausting stresses of everyday life. Traveling allows you to be free from routine and embrace spontaneity.

Having optimal mental health is not limited to the mind. Mental health is about the unification of a healthy mind, body and soul. Traveling is a great way to get these three in balance.

Over spring break last year, I went on my first solo trip to San Francisco, California. My roommate and close friend was my travel buddy, but this was the first time I have ever gone out of the state without my family. I had the time of my life.

I tend to deal with a lot of stress, anxiety and depression and going on this trip felt like an escape from these constant illnesses. Although a vacation cannot make my issues magically better, it definitely helped ease my symptoms and gave me the opportunity to recharge before finishing off another school year.

Here’s some of the best ways that I believe traveling can improve mental health:

It influences good habits

When I go on a trip, I like to organize each day and plan ahead for what I want to do. It’s a lot easier to get organized when you are doing something fun, but if you integrate this skill into your everyday life, things will get a lot easier. I know that when I get overwhelmed I like to write out everything that I need to accomplish for the day. Seeing your tasks in writing and being able to cross them off a list is a rewarding feeling and gives you a sense of accomplishment. I preplanned all of the things that I wanted to do on my trip and I ended up getting to see it all. This made me feel like the money and planning that I did was worth-while.

I am also the type of person that loves to wake up early on vacation, rather than sleeping in and wasting the day away. Since you have a limited time when you are on a trip, I would wake up early, get ready and make the most of each day. This plays into the physical part of it. As a tourist you likely have to walk or bike a lot. For me, I walked everywhere. We explored the city and went hiking along the mountains and down along the ocean. Being outside in the sun with the fresh air and ocean breeze was amazing for my health because I felt one with nature and the environment.  Every day of the trip I felt productive. If you can translate this mindset into daily life, your health can benefit through giving you a sense of purpose.

It is a break from reality

Although I used my cell phone to take pictures and document some of my favorite memories, this vacation was an opportunity for me to put my phone down, unplug from reality and truly live in the moment. Our lives have become so consumed with media that it is controlling our lives. We live in a time where we are constantly comparing ourselves to others and we are consumed in what everyone else is up to. Traveling gave me the opportunity to live my life without worrying about anyone or anything else. I could set aside all my worries and explore the entirely new world before me.

It helps with personal growth

Traveling gave me the opportunity to be comfortable with myself and the world around me. Being in San Francisco, I was exposed to an entirely new and extremely diverse culture. It was the most beautiful and colorful city I have ever been to. There was so many different cultures and different types of people on every corner. No two houses looked the same, every street was unique in its own way, and so were the people. Noticing the differences in lifestyle and being open-minded to these differences helped me feel comfortable in my own.

Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I have never felt so at home in a place that I have never been. Being able to recognize that everyone is special in their own way made me feel like I am not alone in this world. This was amazing for my mind and soul because it pushed me to not be afraid to try new things. This trip also helped me to adapt to my environment. Not knowing where I was I had to use a map to figure out streets and problem solve when things did not go as planned. By the end of the trip, I had good knowledge of the area and felt confident in finding my way around.

Whether you are traveling near or far or simply trying something new within our own community, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and exploring the beautiful world that we live in is something that can truly not be explained. You have to live it to understand how much it can benefit you in so many ways.