Thursday, June 9, 2011

Healthy Vacation Tips

Some peoples get a meager amount of vacation time, they also tend not to use it all. There's a push for productivity, and that can make people really avoid taking a vacation. Some people just figure they'll relax when they retire. 
This behavior may impress the boss, but medical experts vacations help ease tension, which can lead to depression. Stress produces physiological changes in our bodies, including higher blood pressure and a surge in stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which can cause blood to clot and increase the risk of a heart attack. By working all of the time, you're constantly subjecting your body to these responses. It's not clear whether vacations cause better health or whether they are just an indicator of healthier lifestyles. But taking time off does appear to have physical and mental benefits. Some Tips for Healthy Vacations ▼

Don't Feel You Have To Travel Far
Taking a great vacation doesn't have to involve a long plane ride to an exotic beach or a hike to a mountain top, especially if you don't have a lot of time or money. Just spending a few days relaxing in your backyard can have a big impact on your physical and mental health, experts say.

Timing Is Everything

If you don't feel like you can leave work behind while you're away, it might not be the best time to go on a vacation. When you're planning your trips, take a hard look at your calendar and try to determine your least busy weeks.

Make Time To Unwind

Visiting every museum and historical monument in your guide book can be fun, but remember, the purpose of a vacation is to relax. Don't fill your days so full of events that you end up being more worried about keeping plans than having a good time. Treat this time as your own.

Allow Proper Time For Your Return

Build in some extra time on the tail end of your vacation. This will prevent extra stress if a flight is cancelled or you encounter traffic delays. A day at home before returning to work also gives you time to rest, unpack, open the mail, hit the grocery store and generally wind down from your trip.

You Deserve A Break

Sure, there are projects and meetings that will be affected by the fact that you're taking a break. But you need a vacation! Stop feeling guilty about taking one. Use your time off to give your mind and body a rest, and you will be in better shape, physically and mentally, when you return.

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