To travel is to live.

 —  Unknown Author

Everyone should have some strategies that can be used to keep stress at bay. We all know it's a silent killer and wreaks havoc on anyone who wants to have extraordinary results in their life. I guess I'm lucky to be an emotionally balanced individual with a philosophy of life that is laid back especially in the face of circumstances I have no control over. I tend to live in the 'Now', but I do suffer from stress blowouts from time to time. 

Meditation is wonderful, but I just haven't been able to make it a habit just yet. I'm working on it but for the time being it's a minor part of a suite of strategies that help my stress levels low.

Another process that I've adopted is exercise. That has been an invaluable tool that through its discipline and effort has not just aided in my mental wellbeing which is an essential part of the stress response but has made me physically stronger and much more resilient. These things keep me functioning at as close to optimal as I'm willing to push myself but there is one more thing in my arsenal that can make me free of Stress in 24 hours without fail.

Travelling does it for me every time. Even the preparation is meditative, and once I get to my destination, I'm chilled and stress-free. It's much easier for me because all my kids are grown up, so the aspect of planning that used to be challenging with three kids in mind is now smooth and effortless. I choose destinations on the basis of the value they offer me and obviously, my choices would be much different from yours. I love experiencing new cultures, great food, stories, new people and immersing myself in their way of life, vicariously or in person. The many story ideas that I have developed because of my travels is impressive. And it adds to the richness of the prose that I have created, or I'm about to create.

I cannot speak more highly of this and I've come to think of it more than just a nice thing to do but a necessity.

It doesn't have to be international travel alone. You should get to know your own countries because there is a rich vein of inspiration there too and if you approach it with the right mindset, exploring it can be just as relaxing and stress-busting as being on the piste or the beach.

I won't get into the benefits of having an international view of the world especially as a creative because it speaks for itself.

Here are my 7 tips for a creative exploring of the world

1. Always be aware of your surrounding.
2. Everything is interesting - pay attention.
3. Alter your course - explore new routes.
4. Notice the stories being told around you.
5. Use all your senses.
6. Notice patterns and make connections.
7. Document your findings, The beginnings of great stories are within it.
8. Bonus tip - Relax and enjoy

A influential book that helped to inspire my interest in traveling and fuelled my dream of taking extended breaks away from it all was Vagabonding by Rolf Potts. It was instrumental in developing my passion for world travel and I wanted to share it with you.

Get out into the world and be inspired. And remember to relax.

Peace, Love and Power

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