Do you work to live…or live to work? Part 1

 

According to a recent study by Expedia.com, over 50 million Americans do not take all the vacation they earn. What a travesty! Studies show that a vacation can lower blood pressure, increase intellect and even reduce the risk of a heart attack. A delightful quote from the book, Go Away, Just for the Health of It says, “Taking a vacation is one of the best ways to break the pattern of daily stress.”

 

But don’t take my word for it. Read up in this and the next several blogs about many pertinent reasons why getting away is just what the doctor ordered.

 

Reason #1: Sweet sleep
Travelers report they get three times more deep sleep after their vacation and sleep almost 20 additional minutes after their vacation, according to a National Travel Leisure Monitor survey. Remove yourself from the stresses of home and work, and you’re almost guaranteed to get a better night’s sleep. Maximize on that advantage by booking a room in a hotel that prides itself on high-quality mattresses.

 

Reason #2: Heart healthy
A variety of medical studies show that vacationing is good for your heart. Believe it or not, simply taking a vacation every year can cut your risk of heart attack by a whopping 50 percent! Evidence suggests that where you go is less important than simply taking the time to go. Start planning your vacation by sitting down and choosing a date for a trip. Keep your stress level low by working with a qualified travel professional.

 

Reason # 3: Instant benefits
While on vacation, travelers rate their overall health one full point higher on a scale of 1 to 5, according to a survey by a marketing firm that focuses on entertainment and leisure travel. Increase that feeling of good health by being a healthy traveler. See the sights of a city by walking instead of cab-ing to destinations, take the stairs at your hotel/cruise ship rather than the elevator, be mindful of what you eat….and take advantage of more active ways to tour–such as a bike tour in Alaska, swimming with the dolphins in Cozumel, or snorkeling at The Great Barrier Reef.