Travel
TRAVEL WELL with Kate Springer
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n these turbulent times, I’ve actually been travelling more than usual because it helps reset my mind, mood and perspective. And while it’s not a silver bullet (and certainly not the most cost-effective solution), several studies have shown that travel can boost creativity, reduce stress and make you happier. I caught up with Andrea Oschetti, a Hong Kongbased explorer who specialises in meaningful travel at his agency Blueflower, to hear his take on the topic. q A lot of Hongkongers have put life on hold during the protests and virus scare. What’s your approach? Andrea Oschetti: I personally won’t stop travelling, and I intend to enjoy every minute of it. Striving for happiness in a time of crisis is not frivolous. Quite the contrary, it brings balance. There is a lot outside our control, but this doesn’t mean we have to put life on hold. The best we can do is adapt and move forward. q In your experience, how can travel impact mental health? AO: Travel done right is an antidote against anxiety. Stress has a harder time thriving in your mind
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when you are on holiday and it is hard to work on your emotions when you are immersed in stressful, everyday routines. With travel comes perspective and calm. Whether you go to a remote destination that inspires awe, or you interact with people that lead a life completely unlike your own, the effect is the same: a realisation that the universe is more extensive than our troubles.
