Need To Just Get Away For A Bit? A Psychologist's Guide To Healthy Escapism

Many people are wishing and wanting to get out of town—a sheer need to get away from it all.

Interestingly, there's a psychological benefit to escapism. Escaping into the calming recesses of one's mind can be an effective natural defense strategy when faced with overwhelming traumatic experiences. When a situation is too stressful, the psyche can "escape" the situation mentally and emotionally in order to avoid further distress and psychological harm.

As we all navigate life's ever-changing demands and chaotic trends, a bit of travel escapism can do you a world of good. When we travel, we may be evading reality or simply taking a temporary hiatus to relax and rejuvenate.

This first step will allow you to objectively look at your wants and needs. Do you want to escape from the four walls of your home? Is your relationship driving you crazy? Do you need a break from your work life (or lack of work life)? Or perhaps you simply want a change of scenery.

Take a timeout to decide if escaping will really do you good in the long run. It's truly important to be conscious and intentional about your escapism goals to avoid the downsides of an escapist mentality.

For example, if you want to escape to find temporary ease from a toxic relationship, it's likely that the same challenges will be waiting for you once you return. But if you're wanting to escape to figure out how to get out of the relationship and create a new life, the time away could be incredibly valuable.

Now the fun begins. Wherever you're going, now's the time to create a dreamy itinerary. Let your imagination run wild as you open your mind up to all the places you'd like to go. Stretch yourself by pondering the plains of Africa, the fields of Tuscany, and the down-home glories of Route 66. Then, let reality set it—especially if you're actually going to leave town—and enjoy the fun of making a final selection based on the realities of your budget, timing, and the state of the world.

Escapist traveling can be done solo, with friends, or with your significant other. More gregarious spirits sometimes prefer escaping with groups of unknown souls who become friends along the way.

As you decide, imagine what the trip would be like with a variety of people or with yourself. Also make sure your travel companions are people who are willing to take the necessary COVID precautions to keep everyone safe throughout your trip, including the people in your group and the people living and working in the places you visit.

As you prepare for your escape, tune in once again to your travel goals. You'll make the most of your much-needed adventure by affirming what you want from your escape.

For example, let's say you've just broken up with your longtime partner and need to get away. You decide you want a respite that is filled with a combination of rest, play, and gentle self-work. You ask your therapist to give you a bit of insight-oriented "homework," and she gives you prompts for journaling. Even though your vacation hasn't started, you already feel better knowing you'll have space to rest, relax, and process.

Whether your travel adventure leads you only as far as your closet or to an azure ocean thousands of miles away, all you need is a creative mind and a willingness to play. Whether you bring the colors, scents, and flavors of Paris into your apartment or create an island retreat on your back deck, you're only limited by the confines of your imagination. When it comes to escapist travel, it doesn't matter if your bank balance is extravagantly high or barely there. In this sphere, it's all a matter of the mind.