Thinking of nixing your summer vacation because of a heavy workload or demanding boss? Most Americans lose an average of four vacation days per year, according to a survey travel website Expedia conducted. That means if all Americans who work forfeit four days, we’re wasting 500 million unused vacation days annually! Why? Expedia says that most people cancel due to work concerns or family schedules, while others prefer to cash out their unused days instead.
If you think that staying home this summer will help your relationship, think again. Before you decide to sacrifice your annual getaway, consider these seven proven benefits of going on vacation:
1. Vacationing with your partner boosts your happiness.
A summer getaway can put you in a better mood. Participants in a study the Journal of Applied Research in Quality of Life published experienced an increase in happiness even when they planned a vacation. Furthermore, this “vacation high” lasted for an average of eight weeks.
2. Going on vacation reduces men’s heart disease risk.
That trip to the Hamptons you’re planning is good for his heart, says science. A study the State University of New York, Oswego conducted found that middle-aged men who took frequent annual vacations have a reduced risk of death overall — and especially death from coronary heart disease.
3. Taking vacations improves women’s mental health.
According to a study the Wisconsin Medical Journal published, women who take frequent vacations are less likely to become tense, depressed, or tired. Moreover, these psychological benefits lead to increased quality of life and can also improve work performance.
4. Getting away improves marriage satisfaction.
The same study found that women who take vacations more frequently were happier in their marriages. Additionally, those who didn’t take frequent vacations reported experiencing negative impacts their children or spouse. Time to pack those bags!
5. Taking vacations reduces stress levels at work.
Tired of your partner constantly complaining about his tough boss? He needs a break. Evidence shows that leisure pursuits, like taking vacations, alleviated job stress levels. A study of 900 lawyers says so — and that study was mentioned in Psychology Today.
6. Going on vacation strengthens family bonds.
The family that travels together stays together. A Purdue study found that “Family vacations contribute positively to family bonding, communication, and solidarity.” Families spend plenty of time together on vacation, so they bond and make memories that last a lifetime.
7. Vacationing cultivates intimacy in your relationship.
According to research that the U.S. Travel Association commissioned, couples who travel together are “significantly more satisfied with their relationships.” Furthermore, they have better sex and feel a stronger romantic bond even after their trips are over. In fact, the research found that even just taking a weekend getaway was more likely to spark romance than giving your partner gifts.
So what are you waiting for? Log onto the web to book your summer vacation — and don’t forget to also take your partner. Your health and your relationship will thank you for it!
Originally written by Diana Marie Collins on YourTango.
Featured Photo by Muhammadh Saamy on Unsplash.
