Family vacations not only build life long memories, they also break your family away from the usual routine, opening your minds to new cultures, foods and experiences, and according to research they are even good for your health! One study found that people return from vacation happier and more relaxed.
People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals. If you still need a little convincing, here is a list of some of the additional benefits of taking time away from work.
“The enriched environment triggers the brain fertilizers which are associated with higher IQ in kids and exploring a new place together, helps in making your child smarter.” Family vacations help in a child's brain development, which in turn improves concentration and is beneficial to physical and mental health.
Family meals provide an opportunity for family members to come together, strengthen ties and build better relationships. They build a sense of belonging which leads to better self-esteem. Family meals offer parents a chance to be role models. They can set an example of healthy eating and polite table manners.
Family vacations are a great way to expand a child's understanding of the world around them. Kids step outside their own town, state or even country to see how other societies live. They also learn how others communicate and engage socially.
Along with relaxation, summer break brings unique opportunities to learn and develop social skills. New educational and social experiences can happen at the park, or during family vacations and other outings where children can freely and organically practice appropriate interactions.
Experts don't know yet exactly how much time you need to take off to get the full benefits: Studies have variously shown that just four days can impact stress and well-being, that positive effects peak at eight days, and that longer vacations—more than 10 days—soothe stress better than shorter ones.
You're always tired.
Too much stress can lead to having trouble sleeping, which can lead to trouble staying awake at your desk. If you've become best friends with the snooze button (not the best practice, by the way), your body is telling you that you need a vacation.
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 Cut Your Risk for Heart Attack.
It's Actually Good for Your Kids, Too
Allowing yourself time away sets a good example of self-care. This may even translate to your kids following your lead, taking better care of themselves when they're adults.
America's 20 Most Kid-Friendly Places For A Family Vacation (Plus Top Attractions They'll Love)
In terms of how many vacations does the average family take, most families take 1 big vacation each year. But 28% of those who take a family vacation takes 3 or more trips each year.
Yet No Comments