The Power of Travel in Preventing Burnout
Welcome to this week’s blog post! This time, we’re focusing on something that I personally feel goes hand-in-hand with travel and the experiences I especially want to create for people: mental health and well-being.
We talk a lot about self-care in the mental health space, but all too often it feels like there’s more talking than doing. It’s easy to list ways we could take care of ourselves mentally, but there’s less discussion about how to actually implement those practices. One of my biggest concerns is that we run the risk of turning mental health care and wellness into buzzwords, rather than grounding them in meaningful, actionable habits.
That’s why I try hard to focus not just on what we need, but how to make it happen and why it matters.
The Overlooked Power of Rest
We don’t talk enough about how rest is an active part of wellness, especially for those of us in emotionally demanding fields like veterinary medicine, nursing, mental health, or care-giving. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes, quietly tucking your own needs behind a to-do list of helping others, you are not alone.
And here's the truth:
You are not supposed to just push through.
You’re supposed to pause. Reset. Breathe.
Because burnout doesn’t go away on its own. But you can take steps to interrupt it. One of the most powerful tools? Travel.
The Science of Why Breaks Matter
Taking a break isn’t a luxury—it’s a biological necessity. Our mental health and productivity are deeply tied to our nervous systems. Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (you know, fight-or-flight mode), which keeps us in a constant state of “on.” Over time, this can lead to emotional exhaustion, illness, and full-blown burnout.
On the flip side, rest, play, and connecting with nature or new environments stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system—the one responsible for rest, digestion, and healing. Travel can help tone the vagus nerve, a key part of your body’s ability to recover from stress. This means:
Lower heart rate and blood pressure
Improved mood and mental clarity
Better sleep and digestion
More resilience in emotionally difficult situations
Even short breaks can have a profound effect. A weekend in the mountains. A quiet morning by the ocean. A change of scenery is more than just a photo op. It’s a form of therapy.
Why This Matters Even More for Caregivers
For those in veterinary or human healthcare roles, burnout and compassion fatigue are very real risks. We spend our days caring for others; patients, clients, families, teams; and often forget that we need care, too.
As much as I hate this cliché…you really can’t pour from an empty cup.
You are allowed—encouraged—to take time away. To recharge. To not be in charge of everything for once.
Travel can offer the mental space to re-center yourself, reflect on what matters, and return with a clearer mind and a fuller heart.
How to Plan a Mental Recharge Trip
So how do you actually do this if you’ve never taken a trip just for your mental well-being before? Let’s break it down into two approachable options:
🌿 Option 1: Book a Wellness Retreat
Let someone else take the wheel.
If decision fatigue is hitting hard and you want someone to hold space for you, a structured retreat might be the best place to start. These are often all-inclusive and offer a mix of movement, rest, nature, connection—and sometimes even continuing education, if you want to blend professional growth with personal renewal.
Things to look for in a retreat:
Access to nature (mountains, water, forest = nervous system gold)
Guided activities (yoga, journaling, breathwork, etc.)
A like-minded community (especially helpful for people in the same profession)
Time built in for rest and reflection
Psst… if you're in vet med, we have something coming up just for you. Keep your eyes out for details on our From Burnout to Flight retreat. 😉
🧭 Option 2: Create Your Own Mental Health Break
Prefer to go solo or plan something on your own terms? You absolutely can.
Step 1: Pick a vibe, not just a destination.
This is the most critical part of your journey. Be honest with yourself: What do I need most right now? Rest? Adventure? Creativity? Nature? Choose a place that supports that intention.
Step 2: Give yourself permission to disconnect.
Set boundaries in advance. Let people know you're unavailable, turn off work notifications, and truly unplug.
Step 3: Plan light.
You don’t need to fill your days. Leave space for naps, walks, and spontaneous joy. This isn’t a checklist trip. It’s a healing one.
Step 4: Add rituals that soothe.
Bring a journal. Make tea slowly. Breathe deeply. Whether it’s a long soak in a hot spring or ten minutes of morning stillness, lean into activities that calm your nervous system. Be intentional.
Step 5: Come back gently.
Try not to jump right into chaos the moment you return. Give yourself buffer time, if you can.
Final Thoughts: Rest Is Resistance, Too
If the world around you says you have to be productive to be worthy, know this:
Rest is not a weakness. Travel is not an escape. Time off is not a luxury.
It’s a return to yourself.
So take the trip.
Plan the pause.
Book the retreat.
You deserve it.
And if you need help figuring out what kind of mental recharge trip is right for you, that’s what I’m here for. Wayward Wings Travel was literally built for this—because everyone deserves to take flight, especially those who spend their days lifting others.
Yours in flight,
Tianna
