A Prescription for Travel
Hi, joyful humans,
Summer has arrived. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and many of us are looking forward to vacations, road trips, family visits, and new adventures.
What if I told you that travel isn't just enjoyable—it's actually good for your health?
When we travel, we step outside of our routines. We see new places, experience different cultures, try unfamiliar foods, and encounter perspectives that stretch our understanding of the world. These experiences can reduce stress, increase happiness, and help us feel more connected to the people around us.
Some of my favorite family memories have happened on road trips. There is something special about hours spent together singing along to favorite songs, sharing stories, and discovering new places. The destination is wonderful, but often the journey itself becomes the memory we treasure most.
Travel may also benefit our brains. Research suggests that lifelong learning, social engagement, and mentally stimulating activities can help support cognitive health as we age. Travel naturally combines all three. Whether you're navigating an unfamiliar city, learning a few words in a new language, figuring out a transit map, or simply exploring somewhere you've never been before, your brain is working in new and meaningful ways.
The goal isn't to plan an extravagant trip around the world. Sometimes the greatest benefits come from a weekend getaway, a visit to a nearby state park, or a day spent exploring a town you've never visited before. Novel experiences of all sizes can bring joy, connection, and healthy challenges for the mind.
As your physician, I spend a lot of time talking about the importance of healthy habits. We discuss nutrition, movement, sleep, and preventive care. But a healthy life is about more than avoiding illness. It is also about creating experiences, making memories, nurturing relationships, and finding moments of wonder.
You deserve adventure. You deserve meaningful experiences. You deserve memories that make you smile years later.
And yes, you deserve joy.
Dr. Mount
This newsletter is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.