Connect with FacebookDid You Know Travel Can Improve Your Health?
Based on the title, you may be thinking "yeah, I know that" but it may not entirely be for the reasons you think. Travel can actually help improve your overall health in a variety of ways, especially in the stress department.
I can't even begin to count the number of times my old-coworkers, colleagues, bosses, etc. would say how stressed out they were and when I'd suggest they take a day or two off, they'd look at me like I had just walked into the office naked. I know more people who haven't taken a vacation in ten years than the community of well-traveled TravBuddies I've become friends with.
For those living outside of the US, you may be scratching your heads at that one, but it's a known fact that Americans in general do not take time off like they should. And some don't even get vacation at all.
Huh?
Yup. For those who exclaim the United States is the best country in the world, you might want to hide the fact that we are often recognized as the only country in the world that does not statutorily mandate any paid time off to workers. It's certainly a negotiating tool for many employees when changing positions, but the truth is, the employer doesn't have to grant you any time off. Not one single day! Far cry from the 4+ weeks and public holidays my husband used to get in the Netherlands.
With many people only getting a few days off a year, some just forego vacations entirely and it ends up taking a tremendous toll on their health and personal life. And for those who think they can't give up work for even a day, you may actually wind up hurting your career instead!
Here is a look at some of the ways that travel can improve your overall health. So next time your boss says, "You're taking time off again?" You can reply, "I'm doing it for my health!" 
More Physically Active
This is the most obvious of benefits in many cases. For the majority of cube dwellers, getting away from your daily routine can provide an increase of physical activity. Even a leisurely stroll while sightseeing beats the seven hours you are glued to your desk.
Reduce Stress
This is the biggest of the health benefits. Taking a vacation can actually reduce stress and help you lose weight. Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone", can influence your weight. It's secreted by the adrenal glands during stressful situations, and if you don't take the time to allow your body to unwind, it can increase body fat and reduce thyroid function.
Sleep Better
You don't even need to have a pillowtop with down comforter and Egyptian thread count sheets to take advantage of this one. People often notice by the second or third day of vacation, they are sleeping better than they did at home. Your body is reacting to the new environment and as you subconsciously relax, you catch up on much needed sleep. Some researchers believe this benefit can extend two or three weeks after you get back from vacation.
Improve Productivity
Ever heard the phrase, "just walk away and cool off for five minutes?" Often times when you take a step back from a situation, you find a solution that you didn't even consider before. Perhaps that nasty email wasn't as nasty as you thought, or a frustrating dilemma has an easy solution you missed the first time around. Those little breaks can translate into a heap of productivity when you take a vacation. Forcing yourself to work when you clearly need a break can affect your performance and productivity. Have you ever noticed that, despite being sad returning to work, you were far more productive your first week or two back? Your employer should thank you, not scoff at you taking time off!
Obviously, there are just a couple of the ways in which travel can improve your health. What other aspects of your health do you find improve when you travel or take time away from work?
