Traveling can benefit your health in several ways. For starters, it increases physical activity and reduces stress levels. It can also help prevent heart disease and create new neural connections in your brain. This can lead to improved memory, a lower risk of cancer, and even a healthier lifestyle overall.
Reduces heart disease risk
Many people don’t realize that taking a vacation can reduce their risk of heart disease. According to researchers, people who take frequent vacations have lower risks of cardiovascular disease, whereas men who don’t vacation regularly have a higher risk of death from the disease.
The Framingham Heart Study, one of the largest studies on heart disease, showed that men who don’t take a vacation are at a 30 percent higher risk of heart attack than those who do. Women who don’t take a vacation are also at a higher risk of heart problems.
A recent study found that women who take a vacation at least twice a year have a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease than those who don’t. However, it’s unclear if this is due to active travel patterns, or other factors.
In a study of 60 subjects, Syracuse University researchers evaluated the association between the amount of physical activity a person is engaged in and their likelihood of having a heart attack while on vacation. They found that vacations with less physical activity were associated with a higher rate of heart attacks in women.
A separate study found that women who took a vacation once every six years had an eight times greater risk of coronary artery disease than those who took a vacation once a year or less. In addition, those who stayed in a hotel instead of a resort were at an increased risk of having a heart attack while on vacation.
In order to reduce your risk of heart disease while traveling, consider the following tips. Make sure to wear a mask while in the air, drink plenty of nonalcoholic beverages, and get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week.
Lowers stress levels
There is a large body of evidence that suggests that taking vacations actually reduces your stress levels. Traveling out of your usual environment provides a nice break from the everyday grind and is an opportunity to check out a new city or state. If you do plan on taking a trip, make sure you get plenty of rest and take the opportunity to enjoy the company of loved ones. The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with family and friends and let your hair down. As with most trips, the best time to be had is before the flight – after the first night’s sleep. There are plenty of travel websites that will help you book the perfect trip. Likewise, a quick Google search for a good travel insurance agent will give you the peace of mind you deserve.
While taking a vacation isn’t always the easiest thing to do, the rewards are well worth the effort. If you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to pack plenty of water, read a good travel guide, and avoid the temptation to gorge on fast food. While you’re on the road, be sure to do some good old-fashioned exercise – a little bit of cardio if possible, and a lot of stretching.
Creates new neural connections in the brain
Traveling can trigger a number of changes in the brain. One of the most prominent is the formation of new neural connections. In fact, every second, 1 million new neural connections form.
The connections between neurons can affect the way people think, move, and act. They allow lightning-fast communication between neurons. They are like highways for chemical signals.
The human brain consists of billions of connections. It is a dynamic system that continues to re-form and re-organize itself throughout a person’s lifetime. The process is referred to as neuroplasticity.
The pathways that neurons use to communicate are called synapses. They are unique. The neuron’s membrane allows ions to enter and exit the cell. This movement of ions helps the axon to continue its journey.
There are two types of neuroplasticity. Short-term and long-term. Both involve structural and functional changes.
Short-term changes are temporary and may last only a day or a few days. After a few days, cortical inhibitory pathways are reduced. This decrease in inhibitory activity is thought to uncover secondary neural networks.
A long-term change can be more extensive. During adolescence, a child’s brain begins to create new connections, prune old ones, and strengthen connections. It also recruits cells to replace damaged ones.
The brain is designed to adapt to changing environments. This means that if a person experiences a threat, the brain prepares itself to deal with it. When that happens, the brain defers to its strongest neural pathways.
While the pathways can be affected by repetitive thoughts, they also can be formed when a person encounters new information. Upon encountering a new stimulus, the brain creates a new synapse to record that information.
Brings back memories
One of the perks of traveling with your family is the bang for your buck. It’s also likely that you get to see some of the world’s most awesome sights. The best way to do this is to plan ahead and be prepared. Thankfully, there are a handful of companies that offer you the benefits of travel without the hassles of travel. For example, you can schedule your trip with a concierge who will arrange for your accommodations and transportation needs.
You’ll also have access to a plethora of restaurants and nightlife options. The best part is you don’t have to worry about driving or schlepping to the hotel, as the concierge will take care of everything for you. This can mean the difference between a stress-free trip and a night out on the town.
