I have a confession to make, I’m a nomad at heart!

Sometimes I fantasize about wandering the globe, staying in Italy a month, off to Greece for half the year then slowly sailing our way around the world.

Whatever the reason you have for staying in one place, make sure to schedule time away. Time to explore a new city or to simply relax. We all need it — our bodies, minds, and psyches.

Being away from home feeds our souls. Here’s how:

1. Getting in touch with yourself

Getting away from home gives you the opportunity to reflect on your life. You have the needed time and space to let your mind wander and take stock. Traveling is one of the best ways to learn more about yourself.

Every day traveling brings a new set of issues and opportunities. The way you handle those also gives you insight into who you are. You’ll come home knowing yourself better, and with a fresh perspective on what you want out of life. The experience will change your life.

2. Step Out of Work Mode & Disconnect

A holiday provides time for your body and mind to relax.

We live in a work obsessed culture so we get tricked into thinking that we don’t need down time. But we all do. Studies have even shown that taking a vacation makes you a more productive worker. Schedule in that time to go away and relax.

3. Reflection

Being removed from your normal every day existence gives you a fresh perspective on life. As a friend of mine used to say, “you can view the mountain from the plain.”

In the daily slog of life, it’s easy to get caught always looking at the next foothold up the trail, the next thing on the to-do list. Stepping out of that allows us to see the broader picture of our lives, where we are and where we want to go.

4. Creativity

Getting out of the normal routine and into a vacation or holiday space, is an invitation to open up to your own creative mind.

Creativity is hard to manufacture on demand. It needs space and time.

Watch how walking along the beach, swimming, sailing or lying in the sun can stimulate your creative juices. Maybe you’ll solve a problem that’s been vexing you at work or will see an easier way to systemize a program.

5. Play Time

Going away is an instant invitation to play.

When we think of play, we think of children. But really, we are all children at heart and that part of us can get really suppressed under all the duty, obligation and stress of being an adult. We put on the “serious” mask.

Vacation is a time to leave that aspect of you at home and reconnect with the inner child who needs to play, dance, skip and sing.

Convinced? Great!

Get started planning your next trip today! Your body and soul will thank you.