Understanding Travel Hormones: How Travel Affects Your Body and Mind

Travel Hormones

Published 6:16 AM EDT, Mon August 24, 2015

More airports are also encouraging passengers to exercise in order to boost their serotonin levels. At Brussels Airport (pictured) and Amsterdam's Schiphol, travelers can charge their mobile devices by riding stationary bikes.
More airports are also encouraging passengers to exercise in order to boost their serotonin levels. At Brussels Airport (pictured) and Amsterdam’s Schiphol, travelers can charge their mobile devices by riding stationary bikes.
Feeling stressed at the airport? London's Gatwick may have a solution. They've started serving meals full of 'happy hormones.'
Feeling stressed at the airport? London’s Gatwick may have a solution. They’ve started serving meals full of ‘happy hormones.’
Restaurants at Gatwick have updated their menus to include mood-enhancing hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
Restaurants at Gatwick have updated their menus to include mood-enhancing hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
Menus feature meals such as citrus salmon salad. Gatwick called in the help of nutritionist Jo Travers to design the concept.
Menus feature meals such as citrus salmon salad. Gatwick called in the help of nutritionist Jo Travers to design the concept.
'Happy' meals are indicated by a smiling emoji.
‘Happy’ meals are indicated by a smiling emoji.

Traveling can often be stressful; however, recent trends in airport dining and activity options are tailored to enhance the mood of travelers. More airports, like Brussels and Amsterdam’s Schiphol, are cleverly integrating physical activities into the travel experience. For instance, stationary bikes provide a dual benefit of exercise while allowing travelers to charge their mobile devices, which can lead to increased serotonin levels, promoting a sense of well-being.

Moreover, London’s Gatwick Airport has taken a novel approach by introducing meals that are designed to include “happy hormones.” Restaurants at this airport are now featuring dishes that enhance positive mood, such as those enriched with serotonin and dopamine. This not only caters to the dietary needs of travelers but also aims to relieve stress commonly associated with air travel.

Gatwick’s strategy includes meals like citrus salmon salad, developed with the input of nutritionist Jo Travers, creating healthier and mood-boosting options for passengers. Additionally, these ‘happy’ meals are labeled with cheerful emojis, making the dining experience both enjoyable and uplifting.

Consequently, travelers can now look forward to a more satisfying journey as airports adapt to provide lifestyle-oriented services that promote mental wellness. With these innovative initiatives, airports are not just transit points but also venues that prioritize the overall passenger experience.


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