Why Vacations Can Be Good for Your Health

Why Vacations Can Be Good for Your Health-Chispa MagazineWhen you’re used to working a certain number of days out of the week and all you see is the same surroundings day after day, such monotony can get to you after a while. The problem is, your stagnant workaholic lifestyle isn’t just starting to become boring, it might also be bad for your health. Numerous studies have shown that going on a vacation can have a profoundly positive effect on reducing stress, depression, anxiety, and a whole host of other negative emotions that can contribute to poor health and well-being. Consider the following four reasons why holidays can be good for your health:

Seeing New Things Relieves Stress
The other day I was pulling my Global Luggage Rimowa Topas bag through the airport when it dawned on me that having everything I needed in such a small container was a truly relieving feeling. It seems as if our brains are hardwired to gain relief from “getting up and going.” When you travel to new lands and experience people and places you’ve never seen before, you’re tapping into a primal part of your brain’s reward system that has compelled us towards adventure since the days of cavemen.

Exposing Yourself to Nature Is Therapeutic
The sights and sounds of nature are known to relax our senses and eliminate stress. Studies have shown that going for a walk through nature is also a proven way to reduce depression. If you’re like most of us, an ideal vacation will include at least one hike. Even if you’re planning on going to a big city, there are almost always interesting parks and scenery to see just outside of the city limits; so be sure to venture out into the fresh air and have some free therapy sessions with nature.

Taking Time Off is Good for Your Cardiovascular Health
Scientists have also proven that taking time away from your job can be beneficial for your cardiovascular health because it reduces the presence of the stress hormone, cortisol. When your brain and body is repeatedly being burdened by the challenges associated with your job, your heart has to pump harder and encounters more cortisol, which in turn raises cholesterol and can eventually lead to “job fatigue” without adequate rest.

Relaxation is Good for the Brain
Recent studies have shown that daydreaming is good for the brain. We tend to do a lot of daydreaming while on vacation; at least a lot more than we would typically be doing while at work. Giving your thoughts the time and space needed to wonder freely can do a lot to improve your creativity and productivity when you do return to working after vacation. This can result in lowered stress levels and a more fulfilling sense of progress once you return to the hustle.

Don’t Stress Yourself Out on Your Vacation
With all of the above benefits in mind, it is still possible to have a hectic and unenjoyable time away if you let worry and a meticulous mind set get the best of you. When it comes to reaping the health benefits mentioned above, you’re your own worst enemy, as you’re the only person who can stop yourself from having a great time. Thus, above else, be sure to live and let go on your next vacation.

Photo by Alex Blăjan

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Mia Guerra

Mia Guerra

Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine
Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine, Mia Guerra is a writer at heart. Regardless the topic, she loves to investigate, encourage, and ruminate on topics that can make us better people. Aiming to live a Proverbs 31 life, Mia is ecstatic to be following her calling with Chispa. At home she is her husband's sidekick and together they are raising a God-fearing family in Atlanta.

Mia Guerra

Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine, Mia Guerra is a writer at heart. Regardless the topic, she loves to investigate, encourage, and ruminate on topics that can make us better people. Aiming to live a Proverbs 31 life, Mia is ecstatic to be following her calling with Chispa. At home she is her husband's sidekick and together they are raising a God-fearing family in Atlanta.