Why is Traveling Important for Recovery?
Jumeirah Khan would’ve continued to suffer due to her illness accepting it as her destiny until one day a trip she took changed her outlook, her condition, and her entire life.
Living with an illness can be a daunting and challenging experience. The constant physical and emotional struggles can often leave individuals feeling trapped within the confines of their bodies. I can vouch for that. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, no matter what I did or thought, it couldn’t take my mind off the condition and the fear that came with it. After my surgery, my oncologist assured me that I would be fine provided I stuck to the prescribed treatment. But that was easier than done. The chemo and the injections started taking a toll on me, leaving me gloomy and weak.
Hello, I am Jumeirah Khan, a 36-year-old event planner from Coimbatore and this is my story of recovery.
Travel was my therapy
After my first round of treatment, my relatives started visiting me and one of them was my cousin from Texas who insisted that I needed a change of place. At first, she wanted to take me back with her to the US but since I couldn’t travel that far, she suggested that we take a small holiday in India instead.
And there it was. A mini vacation was planned for me despite all odds and the plans were discussed with my doctor for approval. After a clear set of instructions and precautions from my doctor, we set out. My cousin and I and those 7 days changed my outlook and my entire life.
The transformation that occurred in my life within just a week is something I want to share with you all with the hope that my experience can infuse positivity in your life as well if you are grappling with an illness or disease. My travel offered respite, solace, and rejuvenation that eventually aided my healing process.
This is how travel helped me recover faster
A Change of Scenery:
During my illness, my daily routine had become monotonous and predictable. When I embarked on this journey, the change of scenery, broke the cycle of routine. Experiencing a new place, culture, and landscape created a fresh perspective and inspired a renewed sense of hope and optimism in my life.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
The trip had a profound impact on my mental and emotional well-being. I was engulfed with feelings of isolation and despair, but the travel offered an opportunity to break free from those emotional chains. The despair was replaced by a sense of excitement, curiosity, and wonder. And as I successfully made it through each day I was fostering positive emotions to counteract the challenges of my condition.
Rediscovering Self-Identity:
my condition had overshadowed my sense of self. But now I had the chance to rediscover my passions, strengths, and capabilities. Engaging in activities that I enjoyed, even if I had to adapt to accommodate my condition, reignited a sense of purpose and self-confidence. Immersing myself in nature, trying new cuisines, and participating in cultural shows allowed me to move beyond my illness and reconnect with my core identity.
Empowerment and Adapting to Change:
My trip required careful planning and adaptability. Successfully navigating through unfamiliar environments, managing medications, and coordinating necessary accommodations cultivated a sense of empowerment and resilience in me. Overcoming these challenges made me discover my ability to adapt and thrive in different circumstances, boosting my overall sense of self-efficacy.
Physical Benefits:
Although my physical abilities were limited, travel can still provide opportunities for gentle physical activity and relaxation. I engaged in leisurely walks and practiced mindfulness in serene surroundings. Additionally, exposure to different climates and environments offered potential therapeutic benefits which provided relief from my chronic pain symptoms.
When I returned from the trip, I felt like a different person altogether and it was no surprise that the doctor said that I was recovering much better.
What to do if travel is not possible
There are people who may not be allowed to travel due to their condition so how do they cope? The question led me to do some digging as I wanted to help people in the same way my cousin had helped me. During my research, I came across continuum care centers where patients are sent to recover post-hospital discharge, surgery, or treatment. But I cringed at the idea of being away from home. I wasn’t sure how such facilities would be a good substitute for comfortable homes or traveling and so I decided to visit one of them myself.
The ambiance was like a star-rated resort with a homely atmosphere with doctors, nurses, and caregivers on service round the clock. And that’s not all. The sense of community was what struck me the most. For me, the feeling of isolation was too much to handle during my illness, and at the facility, I saw a music session being conducted for all the patrons and I still remember the way their faces lit up. I was informed that the patrons were never left alone or bored. Their day was evenly divided between fun-filled sessions, timely interventional therapy sessions like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc, and some quiet time with their families on sprawling lawns overlooking the cityscape. All this in addition to nutritious meals and other essential services like laundry, etc. This to me felt like the closest substitute to traveling and a concept definitely worth exploring.
Hope my story helped and here are my few words of wisdom to you all before I sign off. Don’t let an illness confine you. Embrace and explore the healing power of travel or a change of atmosphere if you can’t travel and embark on a journey toward wellness and self-discovery.
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BY: Sukino
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