Do you love getting away on relaxing vacations or are you one of those people who seem to just skip taking vacations every year? If you haven’t been on vacation in a while, you are like many other American workers. In fact, research shows U.S. workers log in more hours than any other country in the world. Sadly, they also work longer hours per day, retire at a later age, and… take fewer vacations.
If you haven’t taken a vacation in a while, you might want to reconsider it. And if you have already been dreaming about your vacation this year – good for you! According to experts, they highly recommend that you take a vacation because recent studies indicate that traveling comes along with some major health benefits!
Those that love to go on vacation and travel will be thrilled to hear about all the positive health effects and an increase in happiness that occurs each time airfare is booked, cruise vacations are planned, and resort accommodations are reserved. And if that’s not enough good news for travel-buffs, research papers indicate there are many other ways that taking a vacation is good for you, too. Here are a few:
Benefits of Travel
• Relax and Regroup – Recent studies indicate around 90 percent of travelers reported feeling much less stressed after traveling for even just a day or two. Planning a getaway of any kind, from a weekend escape to a 2-week cruise can give you a refreshing and relaxing benefit you need.
• Improve Physical and Mental Health - Stress can contribute to both your physical and mental health. Physically, stress can cause heart disease and high blood pressure, and mentally, chronic stress can alter the brain structure, which is a cause of anxiety and depression. Taking a vacation activates stress-free, calm feelings that allow the mind and body heal.
• Break up the Boring Routine – A change of scenery may be just what you need to shake up your hum-drum daily routine. Getting away on vacation can change the way you look at life and may inspire you to make some changes to bring more excitement to your everyday routine.
• Seek a Different Perspective – Studies have shown that surrounding yourself with new and different cultures spikes creativity and gives you a new perspective that inspires and motivates. Taking a trip somewhere new could be just the thing you need to spark a new interest.
• Expand Your Horizons – Traveling to a new location allows you to see and experience things you may not have ever done that can have a dramatic impact on your life. Allowing yourself to experience new activities will enable you to learn new things about yourself that you never knew as well as expose yourself to different learning opportunities for growth.
Plan Your Escape Today
You need a vacation to give your mind and body a break from everyday stresses and the chance to rejuvenate. Research indicates that taking a vacation is good for your physical and mental health, so it only makes sense to indulge! Are you ready to plan your next adventure and take an exciting vacation? It is really one of the best things you can do for yourself!
Author, Freelance writer