Maxim Orîndaș: "Travel is a good tool to question our ego". Travel Therapy

"Understanding how small you are in contrast to such a big world can be painful, but..."

Hey traveler! Welcome to this page where we will explore the fascinating intersection of travel and emotional well-being. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Maxim Orîndaș - a psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral psychotherapy and schema therapy - who will shed light on the emotional benefits of travel.

We will delve into the topic of fear of flying, how travel can affect your relationship with yourself and your relationship, and what impact it has on our emotional health.

So let's uncover the transformative power of travel and its impact on our emotions, our relationships and our lives.

Doctor, how does travel affect self-relationship and what are the main psychological and emotional benefits of travel?

[We need travel to cross the threshold of the world we live in and truly understand who we are. In a small world, you can't help but develop self-centeredness, and travel is a good tool to question our ego.

Realizing how small you are in contrast to such a big world can be painful, but at the same time, it can also be a gift to know and grow.]

The disease of the century worldwide is considered "stress". Can "travel therapy" help reduce stress and anxiety?

[A trip can help us escape from the daily grind and experience those endorphin and dopamine filled moments, and endorphin and dopamine help us lower our cortisol levels, i.e., deal with stress.]

As we delve into the transformative power of travel, do you think travel can facilitate the healing of trauma or psychological disorders?

[It depends on the severity of the disorder that person feels. Sometimes understanding another's pain helps us overcome our own trauma. Buddha said that it took a small journey through his land to understand that he was living in an illusion, and then a great journey around the world to change humanity. Who knows, maybe the journey itself becomes your mission, maybe you rediscover yourself, maybe you find a new meaning in life.]
Fear of flying or aviophobia is an anxiety disorder. About 40 percent of the general population reports some fear of flying. Can this be overcome?
[Yes, there is remedy. There are therapies, a wide range of exercises such as psychoeducation, exposure or coping strategies, that can help. For some it is enough to understand why their whole body is stressed at those times and why their central nervous system is activated to regulate their emotional state.]

As for children, what preparations can parents take to help children feel safer and more comfortable when flying?

[Our children, regardless of their age, will depend on us emotionally. If we are emotionally ok, even when things don't go exactly as we wanted, then they feel safe too.

To make the flight more comfortable, you need a plan. Make sure you have all the necessary clothes, diapers, etc. in your luggage. and keep the child entertained. Give him books, puzzles, talk to him and tell him what he will get when you reach your destination. If all that doesn't work, try to listen to the child and be there for him, comfort him and have physical contact, because that's what the child really needs, to know that his parent is there.]

What effect does travel have on a couple? Can exploring new destinations and different activities while traveling increase the adventure and passion in the relationship?

[Traveling is actually a challenge for couples because of the different style of rest that each prefers. Those who will find compromises will strengthen the relationship and become a more durable couple.

At the same time, traveling can help us strengthen intimacy as a couple. We can have romantic trips, through which we fortify the passion, but we can also have adventure trips, where we commit to take care of each other.

I urge you to travel with Zbor24.ro and don't forget to take photos. Years from now, these will stir up fond memories and, who knows, maybe challenge you to an anniversary trip.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the answers and the expertise you shared with us and the Zbor24.ro passengers. We hope to contribute to a more balanced and happier world with "travel therapy" J.

Easy flight and clear sky!