Travel, in general, is good for your mental health, according to Jean Kim, M.D., an expert in cultural psychology – but it can be good for your pocket too. However, with news reports saying that 30% of Australian undergraduates leave university without any job prospects, the idea of traveling after graduation can lose its lustre. The good news is travelling can improve general mental health as Dr. Kim says and can enhance one’s experience with money management as well as counting towards relevant experience when looking for a job.
The Benefits of Travelling After Graduation
Taking a gap year after graduation can improve the career prospects of new graduates, according to Brokenomics: 50 Ways to Live the Dream on a Dime author Dina Zipin, because apart from its ability to alter the brain’s circuits, the experience that comes with travel can have a positive effect on a person’s future career and by extension, a positive effect on his or her finances. Travel can help new graduates hone their money management skills, because they are often forced to travel on a tight budget. This will be useful in making financial decisions later on especially when the first job after graduation does not pay much. Travelling to different parts of the world also improves language skills, tests the resilience of travellers, and teaches them how to think on their feet. All of these things will be needed for them to survive the pressures of the corporate world. These benefits are connected to the general mental health of new graduates as well. A 2017 report by The Australian says that over 70% of university students are exposed to “high levels of psychological distress” making travel after graduation a suitable solution to get rid of the stress.
Why You Should Travel
Jean Kim notes that financial obligations matter in a person’s decision to travel but adds that the benefits of travel are often underestimated while making such a decision. The psychologist says that travel can enhance interpersonal growth, stimulate neuroplasticity, and can get rid of stress. If merged with the ideas of Zipin, travelling to different places offers a positive experience. This means that travelling after graduation is definitely a good idea when it comes to improving one’s mental wellness and preparing for work. Mental health is very important for individual success and if the brain is not healthy or if stress is not dealt with asap, it can lead to lost days at work and loss in terms of income. For individuals who want to ensure that their brains get a refresh before they start their career, it may be time to look for a destination or destinations to go to.