When you’re sick, people love to give you advice on what to do for a cure. Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest medication, friends will tell you to take a nap, while your mom might come over with hot chicken noodle soup that she believes will fix whatever ails you. Those things definitely help but have you ever considered a vacation? Stress from work and everyday life could cause health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and has even been linked to Alzheimer’s. And there’s no better way to de-stress and get your health back on track than with a vacation. TravelSites will even take away the stress of planning a vacation by listing out every resource you need for the ultimate getaway so there’s nothing to stop you from packing your bags and enjoying the health benefits of travel today.
Travel Lowers Stress Levels
According to a study conducted by AARP, 81% of people say that they feel an overall improvement to their state of mind, health, and wellbeing while traveling. In fact, the report suggests that a boost is found not only during vacation but before one (while planning) and after returning as well. Planning a trip is a positive experience for 86% of people, and why wouldn’t it be with easy platforms like www.travelsites.com with their lists of resources for hotel booking, car rental, cheap flights, vacation packages, and more. The excitement and happiness you feel from an upcoming getaway can really put you in a better state of mind and positively impact your health. In fact, another study conducted by Cornell University found that just talking about the places you’ll go and the things you’ll see will make you drastically happier.
Some of the aspects that contributed to a person’s improved health include having fun and relaxing (72%), getting out of their daily routine (63%), and spending quality time with family and friends (67%). Many of the people questioned for the study also showed an improved mental and physical state for up to six weeks after a vacation – this includes improved relationships with their loved ones because they were generally in a happier state of mind.
Going on a holiday and escaping the daily routine that you’ve become used to can have such an influence on how you feel. The AARP report continues to show an array of unexpected travel bonuses like the following:
- Better sleep (51%)
- Increased productivity (46%)
- More energy (50%)
- Improved mental clarity (45%)
- Improved overall health (46%)
Travel Promotes Physical Activity
Funnily enough, most people don’t even make their well-being a priority when planning their travels. Most of us travel to visit family, spend romantic time with a loved one, or to specifically explore a new location – only 9% of people go with the intention of improving themselves mentally and physically.
We spend a lot of our time at work or home sitting, and even if you have implemented a regular exercise routine, you’re probably physically active for less than an hour a day. While traveling, you’re usually active the entire day because you’ll spend most of your time participating in fun activities like swimming or walking and visiting local attractions. You probably won’t even notice all the muscles you’re putting to work because you’re so excited about the new destination you’re in.
Better health is one of the best perks of travel no matter what your reason is for going and you can always add to it by doing top activities like sightseeing (walking), hiking, swimming, or visiting the spa. For more ideas on activities you can enjoy in a new place, check out the list of Activities and Tour Sites suggested by TravelSites.
Travel Decreases the Risk of Heart Disease
We’ve talked a lot about the health benefits of travel and how they impact your mental wellbeing, but what you might not have realized is that these factors can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Another study conducted by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies and the Global Commission on Aging found that men who didn’t take a vacation at least once a year increased their risk of heart disease by 30%.
Similarly, women who vacationed at least twice a year have a significantly less risk of developing heart disease compared to women who traveled once every six years or less.
Travel Boosts Your Immune System
Never heard that one before, have you? Believe it or not, exposing yourself to new environments can create stronger antibodies and improve your immune system drastically. We live in such a cocooned world comprising our homes, cars, and offices for the most part so most of us don’t often come in contact with pathogens out of the norm. But having a bit of bacteria in your life isn’t a bad thing and being exposed to certain germs can strengthen your body and gut.
Travel Reduces the Symptoms of Depression
According to a study conducted by the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin, travel can have a significant impact on depression. Their research shows that women who vacationed at least twice a year are much less likely to suffer from depression and stress than women who vacationed less than once every two years. This is mostly due to the advantageous psychological benefits gained from a change of venue, less stress, improved mindset, and increased physical activity – all of which going on a holiday can provide. As we feel well-rested and more energized, we tend to be happier with ourselves and our most meaningful relationships; the opposite are proven significant contributors to episodes of depression.
The health benefits of travel are almost immediate, with 89% of people seeing a significant drop in their stress levels only a day or two into their vacation. It could be something as quick as a weekend a couple of towns away or a three-month-long adventure in a rural village across the world. Visit www.travelsites.com to book a vacation and improve your health today.
