It’s no secret that, for most of us, our holidays are our most anticipated part of the year. What could be better than the chance to switch off from work, soak up some sun and chill out somewhere you’ve always wanted to go? Whether you’re travelling solo, heading away for a romantic break or enjoying time with your family, the chances are that you’re at your happiest and most relaxed on holiday! But what if we told you that going on holiday was actually good for you? Read on to find out why you should pack your bags and renew ehic for your next trip as soon as possible.
Reduce Stress
The most obvious reason that holidays are good for us is the reduction in our stress levels. As soon as you touch down in your destination you’re, literally, far away from all of your everyday worries and problems. Stress is said to be something of an epidemic– causing a whole host of health problems, from chronic diseases to obesity. So, taking time away from the cause of stress can significantly improve our health and lower our levels of stress and anxiety. One study showed this benefit can last up to a month after the vacation!
Improved Productivity
Despite our best efforts, it’s simply not possible to perform at our best all year long. If you’re pushing yourself to meet deadlines and excel at your job constantly, you’ll eventually burn out. Studies have shown that employees who took an extra ten hours of holiday time in the year actually had performance ratings which were 8% higher than their colleagues who didn’t! Taking time off gives you the time you need to recharge and come back to work more focussed and productive than ever before. Of course, this applies to everyday challenges outside of the workplace too, so if there’s something you’ve been meaning to do, a holiday could give you the push you need.
Better Sleep
If you’re all too familiar with sleepless nights, we’ve got some good news! Going on holiday can actually help you to sleep better because the trip away interrupts the habits that cause you to sleep poorly, such as working late or looking at your phone before bed. Sleeping badly for long periods of time can cause problems such as poor concentration, memory loss and a higher chance of workplace accidents, so it’s definitely better to address this issue sooner rather than later.
Get Fitter
Most people tend to get stuck in their routines when they are at home. So, you might find that while you’re away, you’re far more active than you would be at home. It’s likely you’ll be doing everything from swimming to cycling, even simply walking around and taking in the sights can help to get you fitter. The best thing to do is to carry on these habits when you get home, but the temporary increase in activity will improve both your physical and mental health, as exercise releases endorphins which make you feel happier.
If you really need an excuse to book next year’s summer holiday, just keep these top health benefits in mind.
Last Updated on by Icy Tales Editorial Board