Forcing Yourself to Take a Break May Be Healthy
By Tom Herrin
As a general rule, people should not have to place additional stress on themselves to find enjoyment. It somehow doesn’t seem to make much sense. That is not a hard and fast rule. Even though it may seem to violate logic, it is not at all unusual for people to have to make themselves have a good time. Forcing themselves to move beyond the norm is difficult for many and requires a considerable amount of resolve and discipline. Taking a break from everyday trials can provide a great opportunity to take a more objective view of life itself. Those who often forego a vacation in order to avoid rocking the proverbial boat may be missing a chance to improve their overall outlook on life in general.
They May Lessen Heart Disease
People need a break. As long as they establish a routine in which they are working on some kind of regular schedule, an occasional break from that may be all the difference in the world. According to one study, men who took regular vacations were 32 percent less likely to die of heart disease and 21 percent less likely to die of some cause that is not age related than those who did not. People obviously need a change of pace in order to allow themselves the opportunity to sort of start over.
They May Improve Brain Function
Many times, when people take a vacation, they are having a new experience. This means taking in new information. The brain is required to process this. Doing so often means a learning situation. Whether someone is visiting another country, an historical site, or something that simply deviates from the normal routine, it can challenge the brain and improve function by exercising it, so to speak.
They May Improve Sleep
Many of us experience sleep problems. It could be from stress of some kind. For me, it is often from being in a routine in which I need to get up early. It is therefore natural for me to worry about oversleeping. As a result, I wake up frequently and don’t rest well. Once I am able to initiate a change in my routine, I can unwind and relax. I find that I am able to sleep more productively. Simply being on vacation can help me to set a different pace. Whether it is a trip to an amusement park, a road trip, or a simple tent camp outing in some kind of natural setting, I have found that it can do wonders for my overall feeling of well-being.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Diego, Calif.