Why Holidays may Benefit your Health
By: Anna Paloma
Tags: Vacation, Health, Relaxation, Holidays, Leisure

Here is why. Read why vacation is a must if you want to lead a healthy life

Alright, they say it is not the best technique on how to start a story, but I will do it anyways — let’ s bee clear, I am no doctor, and while I love travelling, I never knew the exact health benefits of vacationing.

Is this off? No art of persuasion, no ethos and pathos. Although I am a seasoned traveler, and can definitely appeal to your passion for travel discovery, let’ s skip to logos. I know the worth of your time.

To be frank, the other reason for shortening this story for the necessary facts only is — I do not exactly know what is it that gives me a boost of energy after a holiday comeback at work. Suddenly, the creative juice just flows. I will research why — together with you.

So What is it About Holidays?

Sitting on the beach and reading my favorite novels by newly discovered Høeg, I can sense the pleasure. But it’s slightly odd at the same time. I can not pinpoint the origin of it. My body and our mind are finally disconnected from my life. There is no stress and no worries. Alright, maybe I am slightly concerned about my friend coming over for our anniversary dinner next Friday — shall I bake the cake myself, or is it safer to order it?

Anyways, let’s get back to the point. My mind tends to slip away in wondering these days. Lazy time sunbathing apparently does not add to control over my thoughts.

Holidays, then.

There is plenty of studies proving the health benefits of taking vacations.

Several have been carried out on the effects of the disconnection period. Comparative studies with routine workers and those taking a two-week trip to different destinations showed a direct impact on decreasing blood pressure, improved sleep quality, lower cardiovascular problems and reduced stress levels considerably.

Photo by Simon Migaj

Good for us, you say?

1. Decreased blood pressure

The results of the study showed the vacationing group had a decreased blood pressure of 6% on average. Therefore, for those hypertensive people (you are allowed to point at me!), vacations are much more than a simple want. It is a long term health need instead.

2. Better sleep quality

People can improve sleep quality by up to 17% during the holiday period, which also is known correlate with lower stress levels. While causality is still for researchers to determine, the hours and quality of sleep determine your cognitive performance and productivity throughout the day, and in a long term period.

3. Healthy heart

Let’s have a look what benefits vacationing holds for men. Long term academic studies from US found vacation to correlate with a healthier heart and longer life.

In a long term study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh over 9 years, it was concluded that participants who did not take vacations annually were 32% more likely to die from a heart attack.

In addition, the University of New York study vacationing men to live longer. They reduced the overall risk of death by 20%, and their risk of death from heart disease went down by 30%.

If we go to sex, various investigations have concluded that vacations are even more beneficial for women than for men.

According to a study conducted in 2005 by the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin, women who take vacations less than once every two years are more likely to suffer from depression. In addition, those who do not usually vacation frequently are about eight times more likely to develop coronary heart disease or suffer a heart attack.

4. Reduce stress levels

An investigation by the Arizona Department of Health Services in 2010 concluded that women who take vacations frequently are less likely to be tense, depressed or tired.

These psychological benefits that lead to a higher quality of life also produce a better work performance.

For me, this is a no-brainer. Unless you are deeply depressed from the lack of vacation already now, the lower heart disease risk levels and longer life benefits are enough to take time off at least twice a year.

After all, vacationing is not a simple whim, they are as necessary as fresh air if you want to enjoy a long and healthy happy life.

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The story was originally published on the travel blog by CuddlyNest.