Are people happier on vacation?

People who travel frequently tend to have greater life satisfaction, according to a new study. Experts say that vacation-induced joy may come from taking time off from work, having new experiences, and spending quality time with loved ones.



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A positive, well-managed vacation can make you happier and less stressed, and you can return with more energy at work and with more meaning in your life. Positive vacations have a significant effect upon energy and stress. In our study, 94 percent had as much or more energy after coming back after a good trip.

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According to neuroscientists, when we travel, we rewire our brains. This is because new experiences are the key to building new neural pathways in the brain. By rewiring your brain, you become more creative and accepting of new ideas. This is why travel makes you happy.

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Studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and mental health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals.

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Take at Least 1 Week Off to Reap the Most Benefits
According to study co-author Ty Ferguson, PhD, a research associate at the University of South Australia, a week or two of vacation time “is long enough for a person to 'settle in' to the change in a new routine in how they spend their time.”

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By blending movement, nourishment and mindfulness, plus time to explore awe-inspiring destinations, our travels serve to help us decompress from work and regain our sense of balance.” So, to have a meaningful vacation, you could do a little bit of both. And, you need to stay for at least three days.

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However, most studies agree that at least two vacations a year can do wonders for your mental and physical health.

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Vacation weight gain is often largely water
Celebrations and vacations can involve eating foods higher in carbs and salt than your normal diet, and both of these lead to water retention, she said.

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Studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and mental health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals.

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You're craving new experiences and new challenges. Travel is the ideal place to test yourself. It pushes people to their limits and gets them outside their comfort zone. You'll discover how resourceful you are when you're exposed to new places, people and experiences.

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Travel takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones.

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Managing Chronic Stress with Vacations A long term follow-up study found that individuals who vacationed an average of more than 21 days per year had 10-15% lower likelihood of dying over the next 30 years. Unfortunately, adults in the U.S. average only one or two vacations each year totaling 10 days or less.

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Not only are you at risk for burnout, one nine-year long study, published in Psychosomatic Medicine, suggests not taking at least one vacation a year may increase your risk of mortality due to cardiovascular disease. So, not only are you killing your joy, you're possibly killing yourself. Give yourself a break, people.

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How Long Is Too Long For A Vacation? Just over a week is the optimal duration for a vacation as the benefits associated with vacationing start tapering off after the eight-day. After two weeks, not only does the vacation become less enjoyable, and stress can accumulate.

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Is it okay to not do anything during vacation? The case for taking a rest day during your vacation can seem counterintuitive, but it may actually help your vacation – and mental health – in the long run, according to Ellie Borden, a psychotherapist in Canada.

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You're catching up with sleep
So heading on holiday and being allowed to sleep as much as you like can be a revelation. Letting your body relax and catch up on that much-needed sleep can leave you feeling more sleepy because you're realising what you're missing in your everyday life in terms of sleep.

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