5 Scientific Benefits Of Why Vacations Improve Your Health
According to a recent survey, the average U.S. employee takes only half of their allotted vacation time. Unsurprisingly, most employees suffer from being overworked, unproductive, overwhelmed and overall run down. Most people end up hating their job or worse, highly disliking their life as a whole. Our team at Entire had to share some interesting scientific stats on why taking a vacation or opting for a little getaway is beneficial for you. It isn’t just deserved - it is required!
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Let’s get into it! Here are five science-based reasons you should book your next vacation today:
It increases mental and emotional happiness and satisfaction
According to a Cornell University study, the anticipation of a trip can increase your happiness substantially, even more than the anticipation of acquiring something tangible. A happy life will positively impact you, your home life, and workplace production. Vacations and reconnecting with family, friends and loved ones will help you feel emotionally fulfilled — a leading requirement of good health.
Increases productivity
According to an article in Scientific American, “downtime replenishes the brain’s stores of attention and motivation, encourages productivity and creativity, and is essential to both achieve our highest levels of performance and simply form stable memories in everyday life.” Taking vacations, having downtime and enjoying your life reboots your brain and increases your productivity. Whether it is your job, exercising, being more involved with your kids or making time for friends - taking time out to replenish yourself allows you to be happy and you should be!
Relieves stress
A study released by the American Psychological Association concluded that vacations work to reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with stress and anxiety. Moreover, a Canadian study of nearly 900 lawyers found that taking vacations helps alleviate job stress. The effects last beyond the duration of the vacation, too: A small study from the University of Vienna found that after taking time off from work, vacationers had fewer stress-related physical complaints such as headaches, backaches, and heart irregularities, and they still felt better five weeks later.
Boost creativity and new ideas
“A survey of 1,000 entrepreneurs revealed a fascinating pattern with regard to startups and the bright ideas they're built upon. It turns out an incredible 20% of said ideas were thought up while on vacation. Kevin Systrom, who founded Instagram in 2010, came up with the idea for the photo-sharing site while on a beach in Baja California (no doubt imagining what the white sands of Mexico would look like in sepia). As Hollie Slade of Forbes reports, the serenity of travel boosts mental health and promotes clearer thinking. Minds are allowed to wander in more creative directions when on vacation. Conversely, modern work culture promotes more narrow focuses of thought not conducive to new ideas.” piece from Big Think.
Helps you sleep better
Researchers say, that vacations can help interrupt the habits that disrupt sleep, like working late into the night or watching a backlit screen before bed. When individuals don’t get quality sleep, we put ourselves at risk of getting sick more easily, and the long-term effects can increase our risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. It all stems from having too much on our minds and we all know that feeling!
On a personal note, being in the travel industry is a blessing and we know the benefits of it. However, not everyone can always afford to go on vacation or plans might stall albeit due to health issues. There are other options to get away. Try taking a day off work or take a day on the weekend and try a new experience right where you live. You might be surprised by what you find and you never know your next great idea might be inspired by your very own staycation!
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