I trust everyone feels refreshed after a much needed winter break. Over the break I went to see my family and then came back to school to prepare for Intersession. When I got back to campus, I was nervous and excited. Why? Because I was preparing to go to Brazil.
Ever find yourself stuck in a routine? Soon you are left with no passion and strength and you can’t seem to see the value in your activities. This produces a certain element of staleness in your life and it can affect any aspect of your life.
One solution is to take a break from your “comfort zone.” Literally remove yourself from your routine. Why not travel and visit a different country? There are many positive mental and physical health benefits from traveling.
In a study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh, researchers found that travelling lowered depression levels, decreased blood pressure, and improved body weight. Other sources show that travelling can be a means of refreshing brain cells and increasing productivity. Traveling can also increase creativity levels because the mind is forced to make sense of things within a different context.
Personally, touring Brazil opened my eyes to so many important topics, topics that are relevant in the States, but that I was too busy to really notice, what with academics and everything. I was forced to see the economic benefits and consequences of globalization. My vision of human progress was altered after seeing the apparent discrimination against Blacks and mulattos. I saw the value of human connections as I watched different people interact with each other. The warm atmosphere gave me a renewed appreciation for sunlight, not only because I could physically feel the effects of the vitamin D, but also because the sun literally moves life in Brazil. I had to learn some Portuguese in order to manage and I was impressed with my ability to adapt. It gave me a new sense of confidence. As a senior who is planning on taking a gap year, that is very important.
Now that I’m back in the United States of America, I see my life in a different context. It is very easy to get caught up with your GPA and in the small details of the academic life. However, I have a clear image of the big picture. I also have a new sense of appreciation for my friends and I intend on showing my friends how much I value them. I’m also inspired to try new hobbies and to learn new skills. With that said, I also have a clearer sense of what I need to do during my gap year so that I feel better prepared for graduate school. Ultimately, I feel less stressed. I hope that others can experience the many benefits of traveling. We live in a time when the world is smaller than ever. We have the opportunity to meet more people and to see more cultures. Knowledge is power. When we feel empowered, there is no need to worry.
