If you’ve been putting off taking a vacation, you should reconsider that. The benefits of taking time off can make your personal and professional life significantly better. The return is abundant and long-lasting. There is a long list of benefits that can be enjoyed almost immediately, including as soon as you step into the taxi to head to the airport. Whether it’s for a health retreat in an alluring destination or a relaxing vacation closer to home, taking time off is important. Here are some immediate ways taking a vacation will impact your life.
#1 Relieves Stress for a Longer and Higher Quality of Life
A 40-year study presented in August of 2018 at ESC Congress in Munich, Germany, revealed that taking a vacation could prolong your life as it helps to reduce stress levels. In fact, other research conducted in 2013, revealed that more than 80% of Americans surveyed noted a significant drop in stress levels within just a day or two of being on vacation, especially when traveling.
Over the long term, the former study revealed that men who didn’t take at least three weeks of vacation annually had a 37% higher risk of premature death than those who took over three weeks of vacation each year, highlighting both the short and long-term benefits of taking time off.
#2 Fewer Aches and Pains
Physical complaints that are stress-related like backaches and headaches often fade away immediately as soon as you’re on vacation because you’re no longer sitting at your desk suffering from “tech hunch” and staring into a computer screen for hours. Research has found that after returning home from your vacation, mental and physical stress levels are still diminished significantly for a minimum of five weeks or even longer.
#3 Higher Quality Sleep
Many people suffer from disrupted sleep or have trouble falling asleep. The lack of quality sleep can cause memory issues, dehydration, irritability, increased anxiety and even weight gain. Taking a vacation can stop habits that often lead to sleep issues, such as working late and staring at phone or laptop screens just before bed. The reduced stress a vacation brings also leads to better sleep.
Ensure that while on vacation, you are making time to rest and recharge. We recommend booking a hotel with comfortable bedding and good soundproofing. You can also bring some reliable earplugs and an eye mask to help you get better sleep.
#4 Better Mental Health
Numerous studies have found that taking vacations contribute to more positive emotions and fewer negative feelings in addition to lowering the risk of depression. Most people return from vacation feeling more satisfied with life in general. Expect higher energy levels and a boost in creativity and drive when you return to your office life.
#5 Improved Relationships
Another study that was conducted over a five year period and published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal showed that women who take two or more vacations a year were more satisfied with their interpersonal and romantic relationships. The experts say that with the increase in the frequency of vacations, marital satisfaction increased as well.
Families who vacation together tend to be happier thanks to the shared experiences a vacation brings as well as having the opportunity to relax together and spend more time creating memories and bonding. Just like any relationship, contributing to the vacation can foster positivity and well-being and those benefits are enjoyed almost immediately.
Final Thoughts
Vacations should never be sacrificed. Your careers will be there for you when you return. Take time to book an adventure that you’ve been craving. Also, keep in mind that it’s not about the quantity of the vacations that you take, but the quality that should matter more. Do things that make you feel happy and recharged. After all, taking time off should be to focus on improving your quality of life and who you are.
Join Alex and Larry on our journey, as we find love, eat great food, and travel to beautiful destinations. #weloveeattravel