Holiday Health Benefits
When you begin planning this year’s big holiday, whether it’s to your caravan, an Airbnb in Europe or a luxury getaway to the Far East or Caribbean, of course you will be excited however did you also know about the holiday health benefits?
The anticipation of getting away from the daily grind and enjoying that well-earned break will keep you buzzing until departure day. However, as well as the excitement of your family holiday, it can have significant holiday health benefits that last well beyond your return home. The fact is ‘holidays are healthy’, Read on to discover why..
Sleep is a great holiday health benefit
Holidays are about rest and recuperation. Your alarm doesn’t go off at some ungodly hour every morning, forcing you out of bed before you’re fully rested.
On holiday, you get to catch up on some of the sleep that you’ve missed. Enjoying an uninterrupted lie in, napping by the pool after lunch or going native and taking a siesta like the locals.
BUPA in their article ‘9 benefits of a good night’s sleep’ list some significant health benefits that come from sufficient quality sleep, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Keeping your heart healthy
- A strong robust immune system
- Looking after your emotional well-being and mental health
- Improving your concentration and attention
Matthew Walker, the director of the Centre for human sleep science at the University of California, Berkeley, believes that we are in the midst of a catastrophic sleep loss epidemic that could have grave consequences to our health at every level.
To continue to enjoy how good you feel from getting a good night sleep and all of the associated health benefits, try to prioritise sleep. Not only will your body thank you, but your boss will marvel at the new invigorated you.
Soak up the healthy sun
After living through the dull, dreariness of a British winter, we all crave bright, sunny days to make us feel happy and healthy again.
On holiday you tend to spend much more time outdoors. Whether that’s playing with your kids, sunbathing or exploring the surrounding area, you are soaking up the health benefits of the sun
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved bone health
- Improved sleep quality
- Healing of certain skin disorders
- Reduced risk of certain cancers
Though the health benefits of being out in the sun are numerous and impressive, it is important to remember that sunshine is the number one cause of skin cancer. Experts recommend no more than 15 or 20 minutes of unprotected exposure per day — after that apply a good quality sunscreen to keep you safe and healthy.
Exercise is one of the holiday health benefits
We all acknowledge that to stay healthy we need to exercise, however, finding time during busy working week is often a challenge.
You want to go the gym, but family commitments have to be prioritized and so weeks roll by and the impetus to get moving diminishes.
On holiday time is no longer an issue, work is a distant memory and family commitments give you the excuse you all need to get moving. From swimming to beach football and exploring to souvenir shopping you’re constantly on the move.
The NHS lists a number of medically proven health benefits that come from being regularly active.
- 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- 50% lower risk of colon cancer
- 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis
- 30% lower risk of depression
- 30% lower risk of dementia
Remember the statistics and how good running around on holiday felt, then use that as a prod to get you to the gym or out for a run so you can savour the holiday health benefits for a long while.
Healthy nutritious food
Holidays can be a food extravaganza and by checking out the local cuisine, whether that’s seafood fresh off the boat, Spanish paella or Coq au vin, you can increase the variety of what you eat and often the quality.
When you’re in a warm destination it’s easier to eat healthy salads and light foods as the heat will affect your appetite.
Enjoy eating well and trying the local cuisine, it’s often healthier and tastier than fast food options at the beach and you can try and cook your own version when you’re back in the UK.
Making memories (and healthy habits) to last a lifetime
Family holidays are often the basis for some of our happiest (and healthy) memories.
Research from the Family Holiday Association showed that the emotional and psychological benefits of your holiday will last long after the holiday has ended. Its facts like this which prove holiday health benefits are clearly something you need to consider when planning your getaway.
The memories that you have from your holiday can help you overcome tough times later in life. The laughter, feeling of relaxation and new experiences is what we remember when we look back on our holidays.
The best memories often come from the simplest of pleasures:
And according to research by the BBC good memories will stay with you for far longer than bad ones.
Get out there and start making some fantastic memories for you and your children!
The holiday health benefits that you get from family holidays are overwhelming.
Whether you plan on holidaying in the UK or further afield enjoy the benefits and come home a healthier happier person.
Did you know many people enjoy owning their own static caravan or lodge holiday home in the UK! This means they can get away more often and enjoy the long term health benefits of having a break from the old routine more often!
  
