We all lead busy lives and so it’s essential to take time out once in a while and refresh the system with a good old fashioned vacation. Even just a few days away from the daily grind can leave you feeling invigorated and much happier in yourself.
Here are five very good reasons you should try and get away from it all at least once a year:
- Help your heart
One of the most popular reasons for taking a vacation is that you get to relax but not many people know that a leisure trip is also a great stress-reliever. According to medical research, people who vacation less than once a year are more susceptible to heart attack. This is considered to be as a result of prolonged stress, with no relaxing breaks completely away from daily responsibility.
- Better your mood
We all know that a positive mental attitude leads to a better quality of life and recent studies have shown that vacationing lowers your blood pressure which boosts your mood considerably. People who take regular trips away have been found to be less likely to suffer from depression, stress and anxiety than those who don’t.
- Increase your productivity
As the old saying goes, ‘all work and no play make Jack a dull boy’ and in many senses this still rings true. Even for school kids, there’s a need to take a break from a regular curriculum to shift focus on more pleasurable activities. Taking time out for leisure pursuits like traveling means that you return refreshed and much more motivated than before you left. Research shows that people who regularly vacation are more productive in the workplace and that’s because they know the importance of recharging their batteries.
- Increase your physical fitness
Most people like to step up their fitness regime before they take a vacation so that they look in great shape for the beach. Of course, once you get to your destination there’s always the promise of plenty of activities to get involved in that you mightn’t otherwise have an opportunity to. Going for long walks, swimming, boating and surfing are all pretty intense activities that are great fun too. When you return home, although it’s easy to lapse back into the old routine, research shows that in fact the majority of people become more physically active after a vacation.
- Create lasting positive memories for you and your family
The best thing about vacations when you have a family is that they are the best bonding opportunities you can get. There aren’t many occasions when families have the time to spend together to create the kind of memories that last a lifetime. A vacation provides just that opportunity and also allows parents to be with their children without the distraction – or the stress – of work.
Food for Thought
Although there is obviously some cost attached, the benefits of taking regular vacations for you and your family are immeasurable. Whether it’s to relieve you from the pressure of a stressful job, your kids from exam expectations or to celebrate a family event away from home, we all need to take that time out. Booking the right hotel for your trip is an integral part of making it successful and whether you’re travelling with your family in tow or with just your partner, it’s worth taking a closer look at the Marriott Protea.
