Cruise life may have taken a hiatus (along with everything else) in 2020, but post-pandemic business is booming. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, he has more people taking cruises than in 2019 (time). And many choose to cruise full-time because the overall price is cheaper than many mortgages and rents.
So… is it only competitive prices that lure us to the sea? Perhaps the promise of adventure? Or maybe he just finds 24-hour buffets so interesting?
A psychologist and cruise enthusiast has some compelling ideas.
In her essay written for psychology today, Dr. Mary McNaughton Cassillargues that while cruising is “not for everyone,” it offers many psychological benefits that improve mental health.
For one thing, cruises offer pure leisure luxury, which McNaughton-Cassill says “Americans are hungry for.”
Kamba
Silence can be heard in this photo.
And she has a point. When was the last time you didn’t have to drain precious mental energy thinking about how to prepare dinner, who will watch your kids, or whether anything needs cleaning? Many of us just spend our regular “holidays” doing neglected chores (aka “house chores”).work). In a world where burnout and errand paralysis are so real, it’s no wonder that solving everything is a grand fantasy.
Second, McNaughton-Cassir explained that going on a cruise means going without your phone for a while, which helps you feel less lonely.
Kamba
It’s nice not to be lonely.
Loneliness may be a problem exacerbated by the pandemic, but loneliness did exist before then and is on the rise since the 1970s.we know that technology It’s a double-edged sword in this space, with endless pings and constant contact via social media, but often with little community.
But when you’re out on the water, Wi-Fi has little hefty value, so you can mindlessly put your phone away and instead enjoy the simple pleasures of connecting with new people. From staff to waitstaff to fellow travelers, everyone knows you by name. This is in stark contrast to social isolation in “real life”.
And for those introverts for whom this scenario sounds like a nightmare, permission to indulge in your own thoughts during a social media detox… and honestly, maybe it can make you feel less lonely. I guess.
Finally, MacNaughton-Cassir says that going on a cruise allows us to get in touch with two very soothing things that most of us have too little of: music and nature. Both are known to be good for our physical and mental health, and cruise travelers love soaking up the sun, enjoying ocean waves, listening to live bands, and even dancing a little. When you do, you are definitely exposed to all kinds of these health issues. Naturopathy.
Kamba
Sunbathe during the day and dance at night.
In our busy and jam-packed lives, it’s no surprise that the idea of meeting multiple needs at once is appealing to many. But even if that sweet cruise life isn’t for you, it’s very important to find ways to actually relax, release your energy, and nourish your soul. Even if reading this doesn’t make you want to buy a ticket, at least I hope it reminds you to book an overdue massage or reread your favorite book for a few hours.
