By Aroosa Khan

Anyone can argue that excitement comes from being outside of your comfort zone and in a new environment, but did you know studies have shown that travel is not just exciting; it also offers some actual health benefits.

• Encourages heart health

Travel encourages physical activity, whether it is rushing through the airport, walking the streets of a foreign land, or climbing a mountain. Physical movement lowers blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Keeps your mind sharp

Your brain is tested when placed in a different environment with new experiences and new interactions with people. The challenges that this provides improves your memory and concentration.

• Changes your perspective

Seeing the world can change your perspective on everything, and gives you the opportunity to transform how you see things. Experiencing other cultures and exploring new and unfamiliar places will reshape your worldview.

• Helps you learn who you are

You learn to have patience with things you cannot control. You also learn to enjoy things you never knew you loved. The change in environment changes how you are as a person and how you interact with people.

• Teaches you to be mindful

Being mindful while traveling means enjoying the sights and sounds without worrying about the unread emails in your inbox. Being a mindful traveler means you appreciate where you are and what you are doing without comparing it to what you’re used to back home.