By: Charmis Williams
A new season is arriving and autumn is rolling in! A season of change and a new season of fulfillment is on its way. As a health educator, I believe that leisure is an important part of our health. However, despite its many benefits, most Americans are afraid to go on vacation. In fact, a report by Project:TimeOff reports: “America’s time off habits, or lack thereof, have resulted in a record-setting waste of 658 million vacation days. More than half of American workers (55%) left vacation time unused in 2015 and forfeited a total of 222 million days.”
Time and time again research has continually proven that those who travel are not only healthier but also live happier! Here are some reasons why we should vacation now:
~ To travel is to be more PRODUCTIVE! Studies show that travelers have lower rates of absenteeism and report less “burnout” from the job.
~ To travel is to REJUVENATE! Studies show that traveling away from home allows us to recharge, improve mood and reduce stress. A change in scenery refreshes our minds and thoughts. Also, travelers know how to handle stress long after we return home.
~ To travel is to make time for LUVIN’! One-third of couples say they have more sex while on vacation. Sex is an important part of a healthy relationship. Couples report increased intimacy and improved interpersonal relationships by traveling together. Traveling and intimacy go hand in hand, so spice it up, ladies!
~ To travel is to PLAY! Families who travel together can significantly reduce behavioral problems and illness in children. Children love positive engagement with parents and getting involved with new activities.
~ To travel is to get in the BEST SHAPE of our lives! When we are in traveling, we are open to trying out new activities such as water sports, walking and nature sighting while in a new destination.
~ To travel is to get out of our COMFORT ZONE! Traveling allows us to broaden our horizon and try new foods. Opening our palates to new diets and nutrients is an experience of a lifetime!
~ To travel is to catch up on some ZZZZZZ’s! No alarm clocks to wake us up.
The best type of vacation is whether we are rolling out of bed that morning or rolling back in! Being on vacation is the best opportunity to get the much-needed rest we deserve.
To travel is to APPRECIATE! Traveling allows the mind to explore new possibilities and see the world in different ways! When we view other cultures and realize the many abundant blessings we have compared to those who are in different parts of the world, we learn to appreciate all the things we have. As Saint Augustine stated, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
To travel is to be ADAPTABLE! Travelers are more patient and flexible! Unpredictability will come to play no matter how much you prepared for your next getaway. Adaptability in life is a great characteristic we must possess if we want to live a healthy stress-free life!
So amidst our workaholic culture, let’s remember to breathe and unwind. Let’s find balance in our life and create lifetime memories with those we hold dear to our heart. A new season is arriving. Time to vacation is here.
Charmis Williams is a native of Manila Philippines. She currently resides in Charleston, SC where she graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Charleston Southern University. She currently teaches nursing and is passionate about pursuing her dream as an entrepreneur and helping people achieve time, freedom and fulfillment in their lives. She has achieved the rank of Senior Representative and is now in the top 0.5% of her company that earns residual income. For more information on filling your time and money piggy bank, reach out to her at: charmiswilliams@gmail.com