1) Increased happiness:
Who doesn’t wake up a bit more chipper on a Saturday morning than a dreaded Monday? According to medical researchers, women who don’t take regular vacations are up to 3 times more likely to be depressed than their vacationing work associates.
Improved heart health: Statistics report that men who take regular holidays are 32% less likely to die of heart attacks, and 21% less likely to die early. Women who go on holidays have a 50% lower risk of heart attack.
2) Fewer sick days:
Stress squashes your immune system and has been shown to increase the odds of suffering from adrenal dysfunction, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome. Carving out time off means you’ll get sick less often and it helps keep you balanced.
3) You’ll stay younger longer:
According to a recent study in the journal Biological Psychiatry, not taking a break can elevate the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in your body which may actually speed up the aging process. Other health benefit derived from taking regular holidays are many, including:
* Increased fitness levels due to more activity, such as taking walks, playing with the kids or even just standing instead of sitting for long periods of time.
* Breathe easier by leaving polluted cities and holidaying in townships near the sea, mountains or rainforests with cleaner air.
* Become inspired by increasing the endorphins in your body with natural holiday activities, like sunlight, laughter, healthy food, exercise, sex and fresh air — all guaranteed to have you bouncing off the walls with enthusiasm.
* Reconnect with your partner by changing the ho-hum drum of the tiring, stressful day-to-day rut, and holiday somewhere exciting. Studies have also shown that female and male fertility rates are higher outside of polluted and congested cities while on holiday.
Bonus! Family holidays - Do your kids a favour:
An increasing number of children are growing up in a family where both parents work full time. Not only does this mean that parents are missing out on quality time with their family, but children are being forced to hang out with their mum and dad when they’re stressed, tired, moody and touchy. So why not do everyone a favour and take some time off together?
*Sleep better by getting away from it all to somewhere nice and peaceful where you can relax and take your time. Cities are noisy and full of traffic, boisterous colleagues, nasty neighbours and exuberant air-conditioning can all raise cholesterol, blood pressure and the likelihood of headaches — no wonder it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep!
Increase productivity:
Seeing and doing the same thing every day reduces our mind’s efficiency, so we need new stimulants to ensure we’re operating at our peak. This means taking a holiday will help you perform better at work when you get back.
Is there a better excuse than that?