The benefits of going on vacation
Time to unplug
When I say “I am going to Italy for the summer” everyone answers : “where they know how to party. ”
Well, I address this sentence as one of the most stereotypical ever. Since I moved to the United States, I have learned that you can really live the life that you want, but as always, to build good things you need to put in a lot of effort. Going on vacation could be a luxury if you see it in that way. It’s always a matter of priorities, and as for anything, everyone has their own. There are people that are so well-balanced that they’re able to really unplug for five minutes, release their stress and recharge their energy, and plug back in refreshed. There are people who know how to properly heal and recharge over the weekend, while others need seven days off every three months to fully reset. There are so many variables, but the most important thing is that we need to be able to listen to our body and mind’s needs to avoid burnout.
So, no, Italians are not better at taking time off, but Italy IS a good place to go on vacation.
Be fit on vacation
Have you ever experienced weird adjustment days on vacation? Not sleeping or pooping properly? That’s because you drastically change your routine and your body doesn’t understand it. Our body is like a fuel car that doesn’t work with diesel. So, if you have a well established routine at home (eating a lot of greens, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly for months) you can’t suddenly stop and pretend that your body keeps working the same way.
Thus, enjoy your vacation at full force but keep moving your body. Follow the workouts with no equipment, use the time off to do activities that you are not able to do when you are on duty.
If you are in the mountains, hike, run, bike. If you are at the beach, rent a kayak or a stand up paddle board. Have fun but keep caring for yourself.
Seven health benefits of taking a vacation
1. Improved physical health Stress can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure. For both men and women, the New York Times reported, taking a vacation every two years compared to every six will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks.
2. Improved mental health Neuroscientists have found that chronic exposure to stress can alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety and depression. When you take a vacation, feelings of calm arise and relieve stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn't if it were still under pressure.
3. Greater well-being One study found that three days after vacation, subjects' physical complaints, quality of sleep, and mood had improved compared to before vacation. These gains were still present five weeks later, especially in those who had more personal time and overall satisfaction during their vacation.
4. Increased mental motivation Many who return from vacation are more focused and productive. Studies have found that chronic stress can make it difficult to achieve certain tasks and cause memory problems. Taking time off can be like getting a tune-up for the brain, improving your mental health and cognition.
5. Improved family relationships: Spending time enjoying life with loved ones can keep relationships strong. A study by the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services found that women who took vacations were more satisfied with their marriages.
6. Decreased burnout Employees who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts.
7. Boosted happiness Research shows planning a vacation can boost your happiness. Some people experience an elevated mood up to eight weeks before the trip.
The bottom line is, take a vacation if you can. When you take time away from the stresses of work and daily life, it can improve our physical and mental health, motivation, relationships, job performance and perspective. A vacation can help you feel refreshed and more prepared to handle whatever comes when you return.
