It is common knowledge that vacations are good for our health, but did you know that there is actual research that proves that vacations help you live longer, and can save your life?

Delhi-based The Center of Healing (TCOH), a preventive healthcare platform, conducted a study that noted that stress and anxiety levels have been on the rise with 74 per cent and 88 per cent Indians suffering from stress and anxiety respectively. This poses a major problem, since stress is directly linked to everything, from heart disease to obesity to diabetes and even wrinkled skin! Stress also directly attacks your immune levels and makes it harder to fight off many diseases.

However, if you like to vacation, there may be good news for you!

A study released last year by the American Psychological Association concluded that vacations work to reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with stress and anxiety. Vacations can even cut your risk for a heart attack. Here are a few ways to maximize the health benefits of a vacation

Holiday With Your Loved Ones

Travel with friends

Taking a holiday is key to your health, but why not double the effects by taking a holiday with your friends and family. Travelling with your loved ones gives you the chance to bond with them and create new memories, in turn driving the stress away

Eat Well-Balanced Meals

Buddha Bowl

While indulging in all kinds of exotic food when on vacation seems like the things to do, remember there is much to be gained by eating balanced, nutritious food! Experts have found that an over-indulgence in food or alcohol may seem like it is relieving stress in the short term but will definitely increase it in the long term.

Research the local cuisine, and eat balanced meals that will help you stay fit even on vacation!

Exercise On Vacation

Yoga Beach

Of course, it is a well-known fact that exercise reduces stress. According to Harvard Health Publishing, exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body, including cortisol and adrenaline, and stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers and mood lifters.

So, take a walk along the beach, or join a yoga class—especially if you’re staying a Sterling Holidays resort, that ensures there’s plenty of physical activities to do. You’ll find it is a lot easier to exercise when you are one with nature!

Explore New Places

Darjeeling Roads

Nothing beats stress like seeing a new place and taking in all the amazing new sights and sounds. Every place you explore will take your mind off the stress and wow you with amazing things to do.

Even a short vacation can relieve a lot of stress; a Japanese study found just a three-day trip lowered perceived stress levels and lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Sleep

Indian Woman Sleeping

Living a hectic life will ensure the build up of stress in the body, especially if you have a packed routine. Most people who feel this enormous stress as a result of hectic days tend to find it difficult to have regular good sleep. Going on vacation means you can catch up on all your sleep. Studies have proved that sleep is absolutely critical and essential to the human body to be healthy. So go on vacation, catch up on your sleep. A little rest and relaxation can go a long way in repairing your health

When you have an array of high-quality resorts across 30+ destinations available to you year around, the best thing to do is invest in a membership, so you ensure you go on that holiday, even if it is a short break. Click here to send an enquiry about a Sterling Membership. Are there benefits to buying a Sterling Holidays membership in this day and age? Read now to find out.