Most people want to go on vacation to get away. Traveling can help ease the stresses of everyday life. Stress is a danger to your health. It can cause high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can put you at risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and anxiety. Dr. Kristin McKitsh explains, "Traveling provides our minds with time to relax and heal, easing worries and anxiety and improving mood."
Traveling is good for not just your mind and soul but your body too! A study tracked 63 workers over a year and how much paid vacation they took. It showed that workers who took more vacation time had fewer symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a group of five conditions that can lead to heart disease, stroke and other health issues.
Vacations can keep you feeling relaxed longer than the vacation itself. According to one study, a long weekend can decrease stress levels for at least 5 weeks after your trip is over.
You don't have to travel around the world to breathe easier. By spending time in nature you can destress mentally. Try spending some time in places like parks, woodlands and/or beaches. Lowering your stress can help prevent cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and mental distress.
Taking time off of work can actually make you a better employee. If you are feeling burnt out at your job try going on a getaway. Employees that took 11 or more days off for vacation were more likely to get a bonus or raise than those who took less time off. Taking time off of work can boost your productivity and creativity.
Research suggests that seeing the world can make you more creative. Those who have spent significant time in other countries seem to have higher creative tendencies. By living outside the box, you expose yourself to new experiences and ideas. This will give you a broader vision of the world thus enhancing your creativity.
Read the full article at TravelandLeisure.com