Travel Planning.

 Did you know that planning a trip is good for your mental health?  The actual going on the trip has no impact on your mental health.  Just kidding...it also is good for you, but if you plan a trip and don't actually go on the trip, you still reap mental benefits.  It's true.  Science.  

Dopamine, the brain's feel-good chemical, is produced while you are planning. Anticipation through planning makes the dopamine flow and you feel good.  You should try it sometime.  (Also, check out these articles explaining this phenom: The Transformative Power of Travel on the Brain,  and How Planning a Trip Can Improve Your Mental Health. )

Right now I am in the middle of three trip-planning dopamine flushes.  It can be overwhelming and exhausting but is totally worth it.

Trip one will be to Wisconsin to see the family.  We will make our annual stops at Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drug, and The Corn Palace.  Routine and repetition also help the brain. My son loves this routine, and interestingly enough, he is also one who experiences occasional anxiety. You can also read about how going to familiar places helps bring comfort here: The Comfort of Familiarity: What Happens in Our Minds When We Return to Familiar Places?

The ice cream is always tasty too!

We are also planning an epic road trip adventure with my sister via the shortcut through Oklahoma on our way back to Utah.  E got a National Parks Passport and is looking forward to getting stamps, like this one:

And last but not least, we are headed to Disneyland this summer.  This has been a dream of ours. I didn't realize how much Reub wanted to take the kids.  I think he has fond memories from his childhood going with his family.  I don't remember much of Disneyland.  I was there when 12, and it will be fun to see my own kids experience the magic.

I will keep reaping the dopamine benefits as we plan and experience these fun trips this summer.