Everybody loves a fun and relaxing vacation away from the demanding pressures of reality. In fact, recent research is showing that travel is not only beneficial for the soul, but for the body as well. Here are five great reasons to pack your bags for an adventure and promote your well-being all at the same time. It’s all in the name of health, right?
1. Decreases risk of heart problems
A study released by the Global Commission on Aging and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies in accordance with the U.S. Travel Association has found that travel significantly lowers the risk of heart attack and coronary disease for women who vacation at least twice a year. In addition, it was also found that men who fail to vacation annually have a 20% higher risk of death from any cause and about a 30% greater risk for heart disease.
2. Aids in brain development
Travel also keeps the brain sharp as it encounters new experiences. When travelers are required to learn their way around a new environment and even potentially learn a new language, cognition automatically strengthens in the process. Working out your brain is easy when consistent exposure to something different is readily available on vacation. Researchers have even found that regular travel lowers the risk of subsequent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
3. Lowers stress
The ability to unwind and escape the daily routine lowers stress levels while on vacation. Being allowed the freedom to choose activities, sleep without limits and take the time to truly relax is key in achieving a blissful vacation. It has been found that recurrent vacations even lower specific stress hormones that accelerate the aging process. What a way to stay young!
4. Stimulates your entire body
Vacation provides an unmatched stimulation to travelers. The exposure to new places and experiences makes for not only an active mind, but an active body as well when exercise is incorporated. Sightseeing, hiking and surfing are just a few fun ways to stay active on vacation. Since any activity naturally boosts blood flow to the entire body, it’s particularly easy to stay healthy while enjoying your time on vacation.
5. Boosts your mood
Traveling makes you happy! Experiencing new places is exciting and fulfilling, particularly while crossing off items on your bucket list. Group travel has been shown to build social ties, which increases happiness and also aids in protecting against dementia.
Sources:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/travel-that-keeps-the-heart-and-brain-healthy-2014-01-15
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/17/news/la-trb-travel-best-medicine-study-20131217
http://business.time.com/2013/12/12/the-unlikely-secret-to-a-happy-retirement/
This post was adopted from Reliv International