Travel is often been seen as a luxury or an experience for those adventurous few who enjoy discovering new destinations, but did you know travelling can be good for your mental and physical health too? Not only is getting away from it all good for the soul, but it has some real tangible health benefits too.
It’s time to tally up those unused leave days, invest in good quality luggage, and enjoy these 5 benefits of travel.
Frequent travellers live longer
Booking a much-needed break has never been more appealing, especially now that it is scientifically proven to help you live longer. The Framingham heart study, one of the longest-running heart disease studies, has proven that men who take frequent holidays are 32% less likely to die from a heart attack. On the opposite side of the coin, women who go on holiday twice a year are eight times less likely to suffer from a similar cardiac event.
Travel is a proven stressbuster
Breaking your daily routine is highly encouraged, so when 900 attorneys were monitored after taking time off, they naturally showed lower stress levels. This long-lasting effect was proven by a Vienna study that found that professionals who go on holiday had a decrease in stress-related complaints and various kinds of aches and pains. That relief lasted at least five weeks after returning to work.
Travelling not only improves your stress levels, but also assists with your sleep patterns and reaction times. Not to mention that it is a great tool to help you bond with the people you are travelling with – that is, if you can find it in yourself to put your phone down. Yes, really – doctor’s orders. Step away from the phone.
To ensure your travels are as stress-free as possible, make sure you have all the right travel accessories to keep you organised. Whether you need new luggage or need that perfect travel pillow, having the right gear for travelling is a must.
Travelling promotes productivity
When you’re happier, you enjoy what you do, and you’re more productive, but your last holiday also had a role to play in this! Ernst Young conducted an internal survey that found employees who took additional vacation time returned and did almost 10% better in their end year review. This also applies to small business owners who experience over 50% increase in performance after returning from holiday, so one size does fit all, in this case.
Travel helps professional and educational development
Travelling abroad benefits you over and above improved brain capacity as you learn words from different languages. You gain a practical type of education that teaches social and communication skills and develops cultural sensitivity and understanding. Travel has also been seen to improve time management, planning and organisational skills. The bonus of being able to easily navigate a global community makes you an asset to any employer.
Travel decreases your anxiety levels
Taking a step back from the demands of corporate South Africa to look after your mental health is always needed, but did you know that going on holiday helps with symptoms of depression? People who travel have more life satisfaction and find more meaning in their lives, while showing an increase in positive emotions. Travel deals have never looked better with all those endorphins and serotonin bouncing through your body.
It’s normal to feel some form of anxiety and guilt for going on vacation, but you must enjoy your time off to reap the benefits. It is widely believed that it takes your body a full seven days to relax and unwind before you see any benefits from your ‘vacay’. You’ve worked so hard to earn your days off, so enjoy them on a beach in the Maldives!
PriceCheck tip: Nothing beats a good holiday, but if you need a little more help with finding that perfect R&R sweet spot, PriceCheck has a range of CBD product listings, including gummies and other options to get your mind at ease ahead of your next big trip.
