One of the reasons I love travelling is that it nudges my brain out of its well-worn grooves. What’s encouraging is that you don’t need a long-haul flight to access that shift. You can recreate many of the same effects in the middle of your ordinary week. Here are five ways travel helps your brain, and how to bring those benefits home.

Learning and growth requires stretch and discomfort AND rest and consolidation. In the zeitgeisty rush to get out of our comfort zones, don’t forget to head back there sometimes for a little R&R.