9 Incredible Ways Vacations Are Good For Your Health

Vacations aren't just a luxury. They're a necessity. Book your vacation on Expedia today.

1. Vacations lower your stress levels, which is great for your overall health.

When it comes to mental and physical health, stress does you no favors. But getting away on vacation — and just breaking out of your normal routine — does wonders for lowering your stress levels, leading to a healthier mind and body. Be sure to plan well, though, because a poorly-planned vacation can actually add more stress to your life!

2. Your heart loves vacations!

The Framingham Heart Study — the longest-running study of cardiovascular disease — revealed that men who did not take a vacation for several years were 30% more likely to have heart attacks than those who did. And women who only took vacations once every six years or less were EIGHT TIMES more likely to have heart-related health issues than those who vacation twice a year!

3. Your vacation makes your coworkers happier...

No, it's not because they hate you and you're gonna be gone for a couple of weeks. Vacations give you a chance to de-stress and relax, and those good vacation vibes actually rub off on the people you work with! Psychologists refer to this as a "viral happiness pandemic," which sounds scary but is actually really cool.

4. ...it makes you a better employee...

According to an internal study conducted by Ernst & Young, year-end job performance ratings jumped 8% for every additional 10 hours of vacation used during the year. So take a break and avoid the burnout!

5. ...and people who take vacations are more likely to get raises!

A study by the Harvard Business Review discovered that people who took fewer than 10 vacation days per year had a 34.6% chance of getting a raise or bonus. But employees who took 10 or more vacation days had a 65.4% chance of getting a raise or bonus. So use your vacation time — because it's good for your body, your mind, your soul, and your bank account!

6. Vacations make you more attractive.

We're not talking about cool suntans and beach hair. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones called cortisol. This is what causes many of the negative effects of stress on your physical health. It also leads to that "stressed out" look you probably know all too well. Less stress equals less cortisol, so take a vacation, chill out, and look hotter!

7. Vacations can also improve your love life...

A five-year study published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal concluded that "odds of marital satisfaction decreased as the frequency of vacations decreased." In other words, people who take more vacations tend to have healthier romantic relationships. Vacations decrease stress, which makes you happier and improves your love life!

8. ...and help you sleep better...

Stress can mess up a lot of things in your life, including your sleep patterns. But taking a vacation and not thinking about work for a while relieves a lot of that stress, allowing your brain to reset your sleep patterns and ensure that you're well rested, even after your vacation is over.

9. ...and they make you happier, even when you're not actually on vacation!

A Dutch study of vacation habits discovered that people's happiness levels rose just from planning an upcoming vacation. And if planning a vacation is good for you, just imagine how healthy it is to actually go on vacation!

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Turns out Americans are leaving 653.9 MILLION vacation days on the table this year. Don't be like that! Book your vacation on Expedia today.