Yes, You Should Still Take a Vacation
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By Robin Westen
In these tight economic times, one of the first things we may give up is our annual vacation. But before you forgo a chance to relax on the beach, or unwind in a country cabin, consider getting away – even for a few days – before the season end. Here are some of the health benefits you can get:
Increased Happiness
According to researchers at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin, women who forgo regular vacations are up to three times more likely to be depressed than their vacationing counterparts. Surprisingly, just planning a vacation can do the trick. A happiness study, published in the journal "Applied Research in Quality of Life," showed that the largest boost in happiness comes from the simple act of planning a vacation. In the study, the effect of vacation anticipation boosted happiness for eight weeks.
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Stress Reduction
Countless studies show stress can trigger illnesses -- everything from colds and headaches to irritable bowel syndrome. It turns out that not taking a break can elevate the stress hormone, cortisol, which speeds up the aging process. So getting away from it all is a proven antidote to stress—and feeling older. -
Weight Control
The Body Center at the University of Pittsburgh surveyed 1,399 participants and found that taking a vacation actually helps keep weight down. The researchers suspect that reduced stress and a boost in happiness contribute to better eating habits. -
Better Sleep
A study from Air New Zealand found that people averaged an hour more of quality of sleep after a few days of vacation. One caveat: this may not be true if you’re crossing time zones. -
Increased Longevity
A State University of New York survey found that men who took annual vacations reduced their risk of death by 20 percent. Men who didn’t take any vacations in five years had the highest death rate and incidence of heart disease.
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About the Author
Robin Westen is ThirdAge's Medical Director. Check for her daily updates. Her latest book, co-authored with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is "V is for Vagina."
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