Between limited budgets, trying to take time off at work and the full inbox you’ll return to when you get back, vacations can sometimes feel like more trouble than they’re worth. But if you need an excuse to book that trip you’re considering, research shows that people who skip vacations may be missing out on important mental and physical health benefits.
A new review of 32 previous studies finds that getting away can boost health and happiness and the effects can be both immediate and long-lasting. But how often and for how long do we need to vacation to see those benefits? According to the research:
- One study finds that those who took a trip once a year for several years in a row (nine to be exact) increased their longevity by around 20%.
- Those same folks also reduced their risk of dying from heart-related conditions by 30%.
- That once a year vacation plan can also lower high blood pressure and blood sugar levels, as well as maintaining cholesterol levels - all of which can lead to serious heart conditions if not treated.
- Another study in the review finds that people who vacation reduce their metabolic syndrome - a group of things that can contribute to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes - by 25%.
- The studies show that a week of vacation is ideal, but even shorter trips come with health benefits.
- Even getting away for a few days leaves people feeling less stressed and depressed than those who barely use their PTO at work.
- Traveling also gives people a chance to catch up on sleep that they might not get at home.
- And it can be good for the love life, too. According to one 2024 study, vacations that include new and challenging experiences are good for the romantic spark and lead to more physical intimacy afterward.
Source: NY Post
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