The sun warm against my arms, I walk with friends following the path of the River Dove in the Peak District. The air is sweet with the earthy scent of plants, and we pass countless others out enjoying the day. I love making the most of what we have in the UK - whether it's a week relaxing by the coast, a weekend city break, or day trips to explore closer to home. And summer, in particular, is a prime time to get out and about.
'Our day-to-day lives can feel repetitive, and so days out and a break from routine can really help to reduce these feelings of monotony,' says Dr Charlotte Russell, a clinical psychologist and founder of The Travel Psychologist. 'Exploring new places, or even seeing old places with new eyes, can help us to connect with our curiosity, which can be very beneficial to our wellbeing.'
Choosing the perfect escape
We all look for different things in a holiday or day trip. 'What we've enjoyed in the past can help us to identify what we find most enjoyable, meaningful, and engaging,' says Dr Russell. 'However, we may want something different from this next trip, or there may be factors that influence what we currently need. For example, if we're feeling burnt out from work, a holiday involving rest and gentle exploration is likely to be the best option. If you're feeling disconnected, then I'd advise planning activities you've enjoyed in the past, alongside the opportunity to try some new experiences.
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