Not so many things in life compare to the thrill of taking time off from our everyday lives—from deadlines, office politics and running daily errands. But did you know there is so much more than having fun during a vacation? A number of studies have shown that taking time away from the normal lifestyle can have physical and psychological health benefits. The Journal of American Medical Association found that men who take annual vacation were 32% less likely to die from heart attack. These findings were backed up by the Framingham heart study, one of the longest running-disease studies out there. The studies also showed that those who also took vacation twice a year, were eight times less likely to get a heart attack. People who travel have more life satisfaction and more meaning in their lives, hence increasing the positive emotions. Felix Banderembaho, a specialist in psychology says, a vacation has lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals. “Chronic exposure to stress can alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety and depression” he says. The psychotherapist adds that, when people take vacations, they go to places like on water spots such as lakes and rivers and plants and trees that grow near water bodies give off chemicals like phytoncides that makes us feel calm and relieve stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn't if it were still under pressure. Studies have found that chronic stress can make it difficult to achieve certain tasks and cause memory problems. Taking time off can be like getting a tune-up for the brain, improving your mental health and cognition. Sandrine Akayesu, a medical student at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali says, being near blue spaces such as rivers and lakes your immune system gets strengthened automatically, fighting all the illnesses, diseases and other health issues. “When human beings breathe within, they can experience raised levels of white blood cells that are able to fight infections and illnesses,” Akayesu says Allinahealth.org wrote that one study found that three days after vacation, subjects' physical complaints, quality of sleep, and mood had improved compared to before vacation. These gains were still present five weeks later, especially in those who had more personal time and overall satisfaction during their vacation. They return from vacation more focused and productive. “Taking time off can be like getting a tune-up for the brain, improving your mental health and cognition.”
