Why We Get Tired: Burnout and Depression in the Modern Pace of Life

Modern life in Portugal, as in many European countries, is often associated with high levels of stress. Work responsibilities, financial difficulties, information overload — all of this can lead to burnout and even depression. Despite an appearance of stability, many Portuguese people suffer from inner emptiness, decreased motivation, and anxiety. This is especially true for residents of major cities such as Lisbon and Porto.
Clinical studies show that burnout and depression have both psychological and physical roots. Elevated cortisol levels, sleep disturbances, apathy, and loss of interest in regular activities — these are all symptoms faced by thousands of people. In recent years, however, doctors, psychologists, and life coaches have increasingly recommended an unconventional approach to recovery: traveling.

The Effect of a Change of Scenery: How Travel Therapy Works

Rebooting the Brain and Body

When a person leaves their usual environment, their brain is forced to adapt to new conditions. Unfamiliar streets, a different language, new food, an unusual schedule — all of this stimulates cognitive activity. Even a short weekend trip can “reboot” the brain, reduce anxiety, and restore a sense of control over life.
Moreover, travel is often associated with physical activity: walking, excursions, mountain hikes, or swimming in the ocean. Movement promotes the release of endorphins — natural antidepressants.

Breaking the Routine

Routine is one of the main enemies of mental health. When each day looks like the previous one, the brain loses its sense of novelty, which leads to emotional exhaustion. A trip — even within Portugal, such as from Coimbra to the Azores — can break the familiar cycle.
Psychologists call this the “context-switching effect”: by changing the familiar environment, anxiety levels drop, and a sense of freshness, inspiration, and freedom emerges.

Travel as a Form of Mindfulness

Returning to the Present Moment

While traveling, people naturally become more attentive. They notice colors, smells, sounds — the brain captures details that usually go unnoticed in everyday life. This effect is similar to mindfulness practice — conscious presence in the moment, which is widely used in psychotherapy.
Visiting historic towns like Évora or Braga, leisurely strolls through the wine regions of Alentejo, watching sunsets on the Algarve coast — all of this helps slow down and feel alive.

New Impressions = New Neural Connections

Neuropsychology states that every new experience creates neural connections in the brain. The more such connections, the higher the mental resilience. Travel is an ideal source of new impressions. Even simple things, like finding a café or chatting with locals, activate thinking and emotional responsiveness.

The Social Aspect: Travel as a Way to Reconnect with People

New Acquaintances and Reconnecting with Yourself

Travel often involves interactions with strangers — fellow travelers, guides, locals. These short but warm contacts help break free from the social isolation typical of depression.
Equally important is reconnecting with oneself. When we travel alone, we get a rare opportunity to hear our own desires and thoughts without external pressure. Such an “intimate” journey can become the beginning of an inner dialogue and a restoration of self-esteem.

The Value of Cultural Exchange

For the people of Portugal, with their rich cultural heritage, it is especially fascinating to discover other traditions and ways of life. This helps one go beyond their own worldview, expand their horizons, and better understand themselves. Immersion in a foreign culture — whether Japan, Morocco, or Chile — offers not only emotions but also a new perspective on personal problems.

Domestic Travel: An Underestimated Opportunity

There is no need to buy expensive plane tickets or take long vacations. Portugal is a unique country with many options for domestic tourism. A weekend in Serra da Estrela, a trip to the monasteries of Batalha or Fátima, relaxing in nature in Peneda-Gerês Park — all of this doesn’t require major expenses but can significantly improve your mental state.
Such trips are especially useful during seasonal changes when the body is most vulnerable to stress and worsening depressive symptoms.

Psychological Support and Self-Responsibility

It’s important to remember that travel is not a cure-all. In cases of clinical depression or severe burnout, professional help is essential. However, in combination with therapy and attention to personal needs, trips become an effective tool for recovery.
A responsible attitude toward mental health includes allowing yourself to rest, step out of your usual schedule, and care for yourself without guilt.

Conclusion: The Road Truly Heals

Travel is not just entertainment — it offers a chance to rebuild oneself, escape pressure, and return to the true self. For Portuguese people accustomed to the proximity of the ocean, the warm climate, and the slow rhythm of southern life, travel is not an escape but a form of self-care.
Sometimes, just one weekend in the mountains is enough to return home a different person. The most important thing is to allow yourself to step outside the familiar and take a step toward yourself.