Unplugging for Health and Wellness
October 31, 2022
The summer months have come and gone but that doesn't mean vacation season is over. In fact, if you're in a position to "use it or lose it," new research indicates that using your paid time off (PTO) has numerous and long-lasting benefits, particularly if that time is used for travel.
"Spending time in a different location opens your mind, allowing you to focus on creating memories of new experiences without the stress and distractions of everyday life," said Kathleen Mueller, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine for Trinity Health Of New England. "Everyone needs a break from time to time, and now we're finding that taking a few days off from work is not only enjoyable, it can actually benefit your physical and mental health."
Even so, using all of your PTO can be a hard sell to our nation of workaholics. According to the U.S. Travel Association, more than half of all working Amercians leave paid vacation days vacation days on the table each year – and that can be a recipe for disaster. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) study has found that working 55 or more hours per week is associated with an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours a week. The WHO study also found that the number of individuals working long hours is increasing, a trend that puts even more people at risk of work-related disability and early death.
Need more convincing? Numerous studies have shown that taking time off reduces stress, improves heart health and sleep, increases mindfulness, and can even boost productivity. And traveling as a family has benefits too. Family vacations create memories that last for decades, are shared across generations and bring a family closer together, according to a new survey.
Adults participating in the survey say they still have vivid memories of family vacations taken in their early childhood and surveyed children say family vacations create some of their favorite memories. Taking a vacation also may also be a factor in healthy aging as travel provides a number of physical, cognitive, and social benefits.
"You work hard at your job every day and falling behind shouldn't be a major issue. Taking a relaxing vacation with family or friends doesn't make you self-indulgent or lazy, it's a necessary part of a prescription for improved health, wellness, and happiness," said Dr. Mueller. "My advice is to make time to take time off. You'll be so glad you did."
Trinity Health Of New England offers Integrative Medicine services, a holistic approach to care that helps you improve your health by focusing on your whole being – mind, body, and spirit.