Study: Vacation time can help you live longer, better

A new study finds that travel could be the best defense against aging.

Researchers from Edith Cowan University found travel helps with both physical and mental health.

"Aging, as a process, is irreversible. While it can't be stopped, it can be slowed down," ECU PhD candidate Ms Fangli Hu said.

Mental health experts also suggest even taking self-care time at home can be hugely beneficial for your personal well-being.

“Downtime is very important, whether it be a vacation where you go away … or a staycation where you relax at home”, says Dr. Michelle Moore, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at LSU Health of New Orleans. She adds, “Another component is taking small chunks of time during the day while you’re at work. Even just 3 to 5 minutes to take a moment, slow your brain down, take some deep breaths and go for a walk … those small breaks can actually help to reset your brain and allow you to relax and focus on the task at hand.”

Dr. Moore does stress that it doesn’t matter whether you’re taking a vacation or staying home for the day: the most important aspect of keeping that personal time restorative is to unplug completely from work.

“If you choose to do a staycation and you have taken off of work, BE off of work. Don’t check your cell phone or your email to see if someone from work needs you if you’ve chosen to take that vacation time.” She goes on to say that even projects around the house should be off-limits on your off days. “Even if you have projects around your house that you’re excited to do. That can be fine. But, if you’re not excited to do it, take that time to see that you’re relaxing, enjoying your downtime, and making good use of that time so you actually feel refreshed and rejuvenated when it ends. That way you don’t have any regrets about your time spent away from work.”

The distance from home doesn’t matter so much as getting away from stresses and distractions themselves according to Dr. Moore. She notes that some elaborate vacations can add more stress to your life and the lives of your loved ones … and emphasizes to keep relaxation first and forefront in your mind when planning any event with yourself and your family. This will ensure that you don’t feel overworked from the vacation you took to get AWAY from work in the first place.