I'm on a plane for a much-anticipated trip to Italy, and my heart is racing: is my passport still in my bag after my last check 10 minutes ago? What if I've messed up the hotel booking? Will we be able to get a taxi from the airport? What if I get sick while we're away?
As much as I love it, travel can be stressful. Being 36,000 feet in the air is part of it, of course, but each stage of planning this holiday has also made me nervous.
Whether you're jetting off for a trip of a lifetime, enjoying a European city break, or making the most of what we have here in the UK, for many of us, holidays are something we love. And after the disruption of the pandemic, making the most of our precious time away seems all the more important.
Most of us know firsthand how much joy holidays can bring. And there's science to back up why travel is good for our health and wellbeing. Travel often means trying new things, from learning phrases in another language to experiencing a new place or trying different foods.
'All of this increases neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to form new synaptic connections, explains Dr Noreen Nguru, a wellness travel consultant. And when you're in these situations in which you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you're increasing confidence in your own problem-solving skills, and enhancing your general feeling of personal accomplishment.'
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Psychologies UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Psychologies UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"Imposter syndrome is super healthy"
Television and radio presenter Claudia Winkleman talks to Psychologies about taking wellness seriously in her 50s, the power of a good nap, and why she’ll never wear a sports bra
Anna Williamson - A date with destiny
Top of the month to you, dear readers! As we ease into the autumn months, many of us looking for love find ourselves dusting off the lazy summer vibes and embracing the opportunity that the colder months can bring. The latter part of the year is always fuelled with a fizz of anticipation, with the changing seasons, cosy evenings drawing in, and impending festivities. It can be the perfect time to ignite the passion for getting out and about and meeting people, in the hope of having fun and finding love.
How to be happier
Emma Hepburn, aka The Psychology Mum, shares how to bring more bliss into your life
SING FOR YOUR LIFE! SOMEWHERE IN MY MEMORY...
In this month's column, musician James Sills explores the songs we sing at Christmas, and how they help us to connect with our past and present
'Twas the night before Christmas...
Whether or not you choose to buy into the Santa myth, we can all believe in the positive messaging the man in red has come to represent, discovers Yasmina Floyer
Winter Walks
Savour this season of solitude and stillness, and take a mindful moment, says Yasmina Floyer
Bit of a stretch EXCUSES, EXCUSES
Hollywood child actress Rachel Hurd-Wood swapped the red carpet for a yoga mat in her new life as a Pilates teacher and mum of two
Anna Williamson Pass the mistletoe!
The smell of cinnamon, tinsel, and panic is in the air! Every year, Christmas seems to descend upon us with as much urgency and pressure as poor ol' Santa himself must feel every 24 December. And whether you are in a relationship, or you are wishing you were, Christmas is undoubtedly a particularly testing time for our love lives.
Tackling Christmas CONFLICT
In the season of peace and goodwill to all, bring back the balance and learn to look after yourself as well as others
A new kind of Christmas
If 'Embracing Christmas 2.0' has struck a chord with you, discover how author Veronica Henry created her own new-look Christmas...