Are Vacations the Key to a Longer Life?
Perhaps in order to gain time, we just need to take some time off.
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This Wednesday was the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the official start of summer. It also happens to be Allison’s birthday! We are sending you this newsletter from a log cabin nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where we’ve been alternating soggy hikes to roaring waterfalls with drinking coffee from heavy, bear-adorned mugs next to the fireplace and chipping away crossword puzzles as the rain falls in steady sheets on forest around us. We are taking a break.
We want to inspire you to use your vacation time to increase your longevity and happiness. Roughly 50 percent of U.S. workers do not use their vacation time, according to to a recent Bloomberg article.
Taking a vacation is essential for physical and mental health. Studies have shown that making time for leisure and pleasure enhances personal relationships, enhances focus, and is incredibly important for physical well being.
Vacations can also lower heart rates (or increases your heart rate depending on how many kids are with you on your vacation, haha), reduce stress hormones, provide much needed time away from physical and electronic distractions, releases triggers for endorphins, and enhances physical and creative thinking.
Above Tom attempts to find gold by sifting rocks with his bare hands.
Below are studies on the benefits of vacation for longevity:
This article from Very Well Health breaks down the amount of days needed to get the full benefits of your vacation. You need to spend at least a week to get the full benefits of vacation.
In this feature from VOX offers tips on how to not let your phone ruin your vacation.
This 40 year study from the European Society of Cardiology breaks down the hard science of why vacation is so important for your health. The more frequent you can vacation over 12 months, the greatest the benefits.
Above Allison embraces her 39th year of life. One year away from the big FOUR ZERO!
Be sure to experience life outside of your comfort zone and make the most of your vacation time to improve your health!
Until next week, Age and Prosper!