Travel ‘helps us live longer’
29th January 2013
A new study claims taking holidays is healthy and can help you live longer
The study found lower blood pressure, improved sleep quality and improved stress management were health benefits resulting from travelling – with participants feeling the effects for at least two weeks after their return. Those who took part in the study saw a 17% improvement on sleep quality post taking a trip. While the average blood pressure dropped by 6%. The study also saw decreased blood glucose levels, weight loss and improved energy levels in travellers.
The Holiday Health Experiment claims to be the first study of its kind, measuring the positive benefits of travel on our lasting health. Conducted by tour operator Kuoni and the UK’s largest healthcare charity, Nuffield Health, the aim of the study was to clarify whether the ‘feel-good factor’ travellers often receive when on the road was merely psychological or physical as well.
“These results clearly demonstrate that on holiday our resilience to stress improves. Becoming more resilient to stress is hugely important as most of us will return back to stress when our holiday ends but being more resilient to it helps lay the foundation for improved productivity at work, better energy levels and ultimately happiness,” said Dr Lucy Goundry, Medical Director of Nuffield Health.
She added: “Working hard is important but so is taking time to rest and recuperate.”
Participants were asked to take part in stress-resilience tests as well as psychotherapeutic tests to analyse the lasting effects of holidaying.
Do you relish the ‘feel-good factor’ when you return from a trip? Do you find travelling and planning more stressful? Post your thoughts below.