Travel and Mental Health: To The Characters We Relate To…

Traveling has always been very exciting, even though it was for a picnic, we would pack our bags with lots of snacks, the best clothes, and toys!

But on this World Mental Health Day, we will focus on the effects of traveling on our mental health. We often think that traveling is for fun but do we ever wonder what impact one has after one goes on a trip? Travel is a great way to maintain mental well-being and, it also contributes to a happier and more fulfilling life. Moreover, it is about being independent and exploring thyself more.

Bollywood movies have always depicted mental health with travel in many characters of the films, some of them being:

1.  ‘Naina’ from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani:

Naina, a nerdy girl pursuing MBBS played by Deepika Padukone is a reserved and bookworm character who has never done something for herself apart from being good with the scholastic. She takes a step of courage and goes on a trip to Manali with complete strangers, taken a decision in a night, changes her life. She meets her schoolmates and goes on an adventure with them. She does makes friends there, but most importantly she finds a purpose and happiness in her life, which is not making others happy but ourselves happy and enjoying the journey. Travel connects people but it also helps connecting with self.

2. ‘Arjun’ from Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara: 

Arjun a character working in finance sector played by Hrithik Roshan has no time to think about anything else but his work. He is so much involved in his work circle, he has no personal perimeter. While on a trip with his friends, he faces his fears by going for scuba diving. Traveling here helps to face his fears of letting him enjoy the peak of his happiness which is not earning money. Adventure included in traveling helps boost self-confidence, conquer fears. It is just not good for the soul but it can have a hugely positive impact on your mental health, too. Adventure therapy is a health discipline that uses nature to help people cope with and overcome various disorders.

3. ‘Veera’ from Highway:

Veera a daughter of business tycoon played by Alia Bhatt is tied down by high-class society restrictions, a bride-to-be feels suffocated in this very not so pleasing environment gets kidnapped by mistake. Just as her dialogue in the film, “Main yahaan azaad hoon” is actually what she experiences when she breaks the shackles of the societal norms. While we are constantly burning ourselves down to follow into the rulebook of societal norms, traveling gives freedom to wear what we want, speak and meet new non-judgemental people, giving out a window to vent out and get out the binds of society.

4. ‘Rani’ from Queen

Rani a simple girl from the hustle-bustle of Karolbaug of Delhi played by Kangana Ranaut is about to get married to her boyfriend, when he decides to break the wedding. With a shattered heart, she decides to go on her honeymoon to France alone. She makes news friends even after facing lots of challenges. This movie showcases that there is not criteria for traveling solo, anyone who is brave enough can travel. The travel changes her completely, she can survive alone and can choose to opt out and live her life to the fullest. It also showcases that traveling helps a person to get an independent life.

Well, these were the characters which were inspiring, that traveling can help overcome mental health issue. Which one is your favourite?