Did you realize that travel can actually save your life? Research has been conducted on people that don't take vacations and people that do. And the studies show that individuals that don't travel and don’t take time to themselves actually have a higher mortality rate. Wow, right? Not only that but taking time for yourself and getting away enhances all of the core eight dimensions of wellness. All eight. The spiritual, the connection of the healing within the body, the environmental wellness of tranquil environment, connecting with nature and harmony. Social connectedness brings physical wellness and helps your heart. One study showed that women who take vacation twice a year have an eight times less likely chance of having a heart attack than women that did not vacation. Taking this a step further, let’s consider this concept of psychological detachment. In order for our bodies to fully recover and our minds, us as women, need time away from everything to completely detach ourselves so that we can self-reflect on our lives. We can take care of ourselves and love ourselves and have this personal reflection. But we have to also address what we do while on these getaways. Because the most vital element in taking these mental and physical breaks is allowing ourselves to completely get away. Yet studies are showing that 27% of people on vacation are still checking their emails. Our bodies and our minds occasionally just need a complete break from stress. That includes the responsibility of being a parent, working and even household chores. Not only do we need this detachment, but there's a three step combination to really renew our mind and our body. First we need psychological detachment from everything. Then we need to engage in relaxation techniques. This could be done with yoga, mindfulness activities, journaling, reading, etc. And that third step is that we engage in a mastery skill. For example, going on a hike or a zip line, building a puzzle, or just doing something different. Our body needs this, our mind needs this and we need it for our lives. This also applies to the emotional healing from grief as well. Studies also show that traveling can really help us with that recovery as well. Consider the longer term benefits as well. Not only will you enjoy overall wellness from having traveled, but research goes on to show that months after returning from a trip, people are more productive at work, their relationships are enhanced, their marriage is enhanced, they’re more engaged as a parent and are less likely to suffer from depression. Once we are able to enjoy the benefits of wellness that comes from traveling, we can see that it's not just a luxury. It is a necessity that we need in order to live vibrantly and holistically. If financial limitations are preventing traditional travel, consider alternatives that can accomplish the same goals. It might be that you can take a day trip. Spend the weekend at a friend's house. Block out and plan for an hour at the gym every day. Take a walk. Spend some time at a neighborhood park or your own backyard. There is even a study on how just going out for the evening with girlfriends is helpful for our health, and longevity. And we all kind of just know that intuitively but now we know from research that it's been proven to make a difference. It truly comes down to finding consistent ways to take time for yourself to decompress, detach and then re-engage with renewed energy and spirit!
The first step to wellness is talking. Let's find a time where we can meet and talk about what's on your mind.
le Wellness Center
105 Bulifants Blvd, Suite C
Williamsburg, VA 23188
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