Have you been wondering what the effect of a vacation is?
Asides the dopamine (a hormone that makes you feel good) from lavishing your money on yourself, are there any other “real” benefits ?
Some people say its an investment in your health and I couldn’t agree more.
Research has proven that just the thought of going for a vacation (i.e the planning phase) can help boost happiness.
It keeps your mind away from things that can stress you out.
As little as the thought of “I have free time and I decide what to do with it”
It also helps you plan, prepare, think of problems that might arise and proffer solution.
Its that moment when your logical and emotional self comes together and just syncs.
It also helps your confidence when you have to make decisions under duress in the future even after your vacation.
Realizing that you made judgements fast and quickly, and you stood by the consequence even if it was made in a rush.
Here are 4 ways vacations have been proven to benefit your health.
Stress Reduction and Vacation
This can be a little tricky.
Although research says that removing people from stressful environments help to reduce stress level,
One has to ensure that you don’t spend too long away from your responsibilities such that your anxiety level begins to spike and you begin to panic.
Stress not only affects memory but also leads to other conditions.
Sleep Health
A lot of people suffer from sleep disorders.
Vacations have been proven to help remove the routines that affect sleep patterns e.g family commitments, working late into the night, spending most of your day exposed to blue light from your computer screen.
Blue light messes with your body’s ability to prepare for sleep because it blocks Melatonin, a hormone that makes you sleepy.
Your level of exposure to blue light during a vacation is reduced largely aiding good sleep.
Fuels your Creativity
The “aha” moments happen when you’re in your most relaxed state.
Taking a vacation might be the best solution when you feel stuck and you’ve tried everything possible to get out of that phase.
You’re also more productive and creative when you take out time regularly to relax.
It also improves your motivation, perspective and performance in tasks and responsibilities.
Heart Health Benefits
“What we found is that people who vacation more frequently in the past 12 months have a lowered risk for metabolic syndrome and metabolic symptoms,” says Bryce Hruska, an assistant professor of public health at Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. “Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you have more of them you are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. This is important because we are actually seeing a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular disease the more vacationing a person does. Because metabolic symptoms are modifiable, it means they can change or be eliminated.”
See more here – Medical Proof That Vacation Is Good For Your Heart
We’re getting to the end of the year. You need time to relax.
Take time off and put that vacation plan back in view.
If you need help regarding how and what to pack, check out this guide – Vacation Tips: How To Pack When Traveling.
