When I felt lost and without purpose, I booked a solo trip to Bali where I volunteered at a turtle conservation centre for 2 weeks via the International Volunteer HQ.
Little did I know, but those two weeks was unforgettable and became an unexpected journey to healing, self-discovery and the inception of The Cuddle Club.
The Science of Solo Travel
This powerful shift isn't just emotional—it's neurological. Research shows that unfamiliar environments literally reshape our brains. When we navigate new places independently, our brains create new neural pathways, enhancing cognitive flexibility and creativity while reducing stress hormones like cortisol.
Solo travel forces us outside our comfort zones as we make independent decisions and solve problems on our own. These challenges build a foundation of confidence that transfers to other areas of life, creating lasting resilience.
Studies indicate that travellers experience measurable decreases in stress after just a few days in new surroundings. The combination of novel experiences and self-reliance triggers positive psychological changes that medication alone often can't achieve.
The Paradox of Connection
One of the most surprising aspects of traveling alone is how it leads to meaningful connections. Without the safety net of familiar companions, I was forced to open myself to conversations with strangers from around the world who shared inspiration, encouragement, and wisdom during my stay.
These unexpected connections, provided perspectives I would never have encountered in my regular life. The space created by being alone allowed these encounters to become significant rather than superficial.
The Power of Solitude
Only when you're truly alone do your thoughts speak their loudest. In those quiet moments of solitude—taking care of the turtles and releasing into the ocean or sitting on an unfamiliar beach—I began to hear my own voice more clearly, unclouded by the expectations and routines of daily life.
What small step toward solo exploration could you take this week? Sometimes the most powerful mental health interventions aren't found in therapy offices or medication—they're discovered when we brave the journey of meeting ourselves somewhere new, completely on our own terms.