Traveling can be a lot of fun, especially when you are going places you’ve never been to before. But, did you know that there are actually a bunch of health benefits to traveling?! Yeah, you read that correctly. Imagine having a career AND traveling the country at the same time all while benefiting your health! In this blog, we’re going to explore some of the mental and physical health benefits of traveling as a locum tenens.
Woman sitting with her luggage.
See locum tenens jobs here!
Mental Health Benefits of Traveling
Stress Less
The first and least scientific benefit of traveling is de-stressing. By removing yourself from what stresses you out: school, work, kids, etc. you are alleviating some of your stress. Traveling gives you the ability to escape your stress in a healthy and safe way. It can provide you with a fresh perspective on your life and your tasks. Traveling typically makes people happier which means the body is producing more serotonin. Serotonin can make a huge difference in the way your body functions, as well as your mood. It’s sometimes called the happy chemical for this reason! Stress also contributes to burnout which is especially common amongst physicians.
Increased Creativity
There is a link between traveling and boosted creativity that is often overlooked. Because creativity is linked to the neuroplasticity of our brain, it can easily be affected by changes in our environment such as a new town/city/state. By experiencing a new culture, even if it is just a state away, you are opening yourself up to a wider range of thoughts and experiences. This can help you not only change your way of thinking but your way of accomplishing the things that are important to you. It can be very beneficial career-wise, as well as in your personal life.
Companionship
Traveling can increase your bond with a companion. This is true whether you are traveling with a human partner or a pet. Companionship can increase your mental well-being as well as boost your self-esteem. Mental well-being can sometimes be overlooked, but it is one of the most important health benefits of traveling. It can really make an assignment feel a lot easier if you are mentally stable. Being a traveling physician is a lot of work but choosing the right companions (even if it’s just a co-worker at your assignment) can really make a world of difference!
Physical Health Benefits of Traveling
Immune Booster
One of the least discussed health benefits of traveling is definitely boosting your immune system. Being exposed to germs or exposing kids to germs is quite beneficial. This doesn’t mean you should go days without washing your hands, ESPECIALLY not in a hospital setting. However, exposing yourself to new germs helps your body develop new antibodies- microbes that are essentially good bacteria. Building good bacteria helps your body defeat the bad bacteria and can prevent you from getting sick. This is a crucial point of interest of physicians on the road. Getting sick really isn’t a good option when you’re on an assignment, so taking care of your health is very important.
Keeps you in Shape
Being in shape is especially important in a field like healthcare where you are on your feet all day. This is one of the more unique health benefits of traveling. Being on the road means you are on the go for long periods of time. This can help boost your metabolism, as well as heart health. This applies not only to being on a travel assignment but also any downtime or free time you might have. Often when we visit new places, we like to go and explore and see the sights that our destination is known for. This also increases your activity level and leads to an overall boost in your health- physical and mental! Keeping yourself in tip-top shape can also decrease your risk of heart attacks- a subsequent health benefit of traveling.
Ultimate Health Benefits of Traveling
While there is no one top benefit of traveling, it can really be good for you both physically and mentally. As a locum tenens physician, you have the ability to take advantage of being able to travel, work, and work on your health all at once! Looking for your next locum tenens travel assignment? Browse all of our locum tenens jobs to find the job of your dreams!
Have you noticed your health increase after being on assignment or going on vacation? Let us know in the comments below what your experience has been!
