Did you know a holiday has so many health benefits?

20 Jun Did you know a holiday has so many health benefits?

Did you know a holiday has so many health benefits ?

 This is the time of year when most people have booked their holidays and are counting down the weeks or days until they go. Holiday lists are being written about what you want to pack and do you really need to buy another suitcase ?. But are you fully aware about how good holidays are for your health ?

Studies have been carried out on people who went on holiday and those who stayed at home and the findings are pretty astonishing. It was found that the positive effects from a holiday will last for at least 2 weeks after your return, sometimes longer.

The study compared those who had been on holiday in Thailand, Peru and the Maldives to those people who had stayed at home still working in the summer of 2012.

The results are as follows:

• the average blood pressure dropped by 6% of those on holiday but those still working had an increase of 2%,
• sleep quality of the holidaymakers improved by 17% compared to the workers whose sleep quality deteriorated by 14%
• those who had been on holiday improved their stress resilience score by 29% while workers scores fell by 71%,
• tests showed that there was a fall in blood glucose levels, therefore reducing the risk of diabetes, improved mood and energy levels and that people had trimmer waistlines. These effects were sustained for for at least 2 weeks after their return home,
• the study also showed that those who had been the busiest on holiday and not just relaxed on the beach had the most long lasting reduction in stress.

So lets break it down and find out why a holiday is so good for our health.

Sun

We all know the dangers of the sun, the risk of skin cancer and we know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK but did you know that the sun is also very important to our bodies. When we are exposed to sunlight our body is able to convert vitamin A into vitamin D. This helps the immune system and helps bind calcium to bones.

Lack of sunlight is also thought to trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is felt by people in the winter months and can have a debilitating affect on their lives. The suggestion is that people with SAD holiday in the winter months to help boost the body over this difficult time.

Exercise.

Although some people choose to spend their time relaxing by the pool or on the beach, some people find they do more exercise. This can be in the form of walking, whether it be exploring exciting towns, cities and tourist attractions or going for long walks along the beach or in the hills.

Some people like to take part in social activities such as water aerobics which is great for cardiovascular and muscle tone, or other games like beach volley ball and tennis.

Most people like to have a swim most days either in the sea or the pool. This is good to help keep the body supple and a lovely way to cool off.

Sea Water.

Research as shown that listening to water can alter wave patterns in the brain. It is believed that the sound of the waves or of waterfalls can help invigorate the body and mind. The purifying nature of water helps cleanse the body and helps to connect with nature and the natural rhythm of live.

Salt water also has the added benefit of being detoxifying. Salt is known to draw out impurities from the body leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Food

Whilst being on holiday we are more likely to indulge in other foods. Due to hot weather we are more likely to eat more salad and if you are fortunate to be somewhere exotic you are more likely to eat more fruit. If you enjoyed what you eat you are more likely to search out those foods on your return.

Sleep

Being on holiday gives us the perfect opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to poor mental performance, premature ageing and even illness. Whilst we sleep our bodies go through certain processess that helps the body to repair and regenerate and it helps our immune system to function correctly.

Laughter.

A big part of going on holiday is to have fun, let your hair down and enjoy yourself without the normal constraints of life. They say laughter is the best medicine and if you are enjoying your holidays then you are probably laughing. Laughing can help strengthen the immune system by releasing endorphins, the bodies ‘feel good’ chemical. This in turn helps lower the risk of diseases such as heart disease and helps lift your mood.

So next time you are thinking of booking a holiday remember how many good reasons there are to go.

Happy holidays everyone.