Remarkable health benefits of taking a vacation
It’s true. Going on vacation is good for you. Science says so. And not just ‘I’ve eaten an apple today’ kind of good for you, (although that obviously helps, keep doing that), but more of a ‘total game-changer you should always have a vacation booked complete eye-opener’ kind of good for you.
The benefits of traveling are truly remarkable. Although we don’t need convincing of the benefits of turquoise waters, white sand beaches, snowy mountain tops, cocktails and infinity pools so breathtakingly beautiful they don’t look real, for anyone who does, send them a link to this article. And if you’d like to know just how good that last vacation was for your mind and your body, read on.
On the surface it doesn’t seem all that surprising that taking time out from work, away from the daily hustle, to reconnect with nature and those that you love offers up a myriad of mental and physical benefits.
But so many studies have been conducted – and we’ve just referenced a few of them – that have found substantial links between health and your time off that it might make you look at your vacations in a new light.
Whether it’s a glittering city break that offers the right amount of distraction, or you need complete isolation on a private beach resort to totally immerse yourself in your surroundings and properly relax, getting away from it all has a lasting effect on your health and happiness.
We’ve highlighted some of the biggest health benefits of taking a vacation below. They might surprise you or they might just be a timely reminder and simply inspire you to book your next trip. Maybe both.
Have you been on a vacation so good it made you feel instantly better in mind and body? Where did you go and where did stay? If you had the trip of a lifetime let us know so we can add your favourite travel destinations and luxury resorts to Wild Bay Co. Tell us about your experiences and let’s raise the profile of the places that are truly unforgettable. Contact us and let us know.
Wild Bay Co is as much a celebration of the people who make these incredible experiences possible, as it is a celebration of the luxury resorts and hotels themselves. If you’ve stayed somewhere outstanding that deserves recognition for its exceptional attention to detail as well as its stunning setting then contact us and let us know.
For most, the enjoyment starts weeks, even months before the holiday actually begins.
Mood
Vacationers are happier.
Happiness is a booked vacation
It almost goes without saying – but it definitely should be – that vacations can, and very often do, improve overall happiness.
How deep that happiness is felt, and how long it lasts, is obviously different for everyone, and up for some debate – although we’re pretty sure a visit to any of these secluded island villas would result in unanimous and overwhelming euphoria.
One study published in 2010 even suggested that the mere anticipation and planning of a vacation can boost happiness and wellbeing weeks before a traveler steps out of their front door.
Nawijn, J., Marchand, M.A., Veenhoven, R. et al. Vacationers Happier, but Most not Happier After a Holiday. Applied Research Quality Life 5, 35–47 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-009-9091-9
Vacation frequency may protect against metabolic syndrome and symptoms.
Heart
Going on vacation, and going on vacation more often, could improve your heart health and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Heart health
A study conducted by Syracuse University professors and researchers found a link between vacation frequency and the risk of metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors, including high blood pressure, which can increase your chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
Their research suggests that vacation frequency may actually protect against metabolic syndrome and symptoms. So potentially you can lower your chances of cardiovascular disease – just by going on vacation more.
(2020) Vacation frequency is associated with metabolic syndrome and symptoms, Psychology & Health, 35:1, 1-15, DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2019.1628962
Results indicated that one single short-term vacation, independent of the mode, has large, positive and immediate effects on perceived stress, recovery, strain, and well-being.
Stress
Vacation more, stress less.
Switch off and unwind
Studies have found that there is a direct link between taking time off and lowering stress levels. Makes sense. But what’s perhaps surprising is that even a short break can have a big impact, and the effects of a vacation in terms of lowering stress levels can last for long after you’ve returned home from your trip.
A randomized controlled trial on 40 middle managers, studying the correlation between short vacations and stress levels and wellbeing, discovered even a short four day vacation significantly improved stress levels, and the positive effects were felt up to 45 days post-vacation.
So if you take a month off to go and stay in a Caribbean luxury resort does that mean you’ll feel relaxed and less stressed for basically a year? No idea. But there’s only one way to find out.
Blank, C.; Gatterer, K.; Leichtfried, V.; Pollhammer, D.; Mair-Raggautz, M.; Duschek, S.; Humpeler, E.; Schobersberger, W. Short Vacation Improves Stress-Level and Well-Being in German-Speaking Middle-Managers—A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 130. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010130
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