Why Activity is the Secret to a Feel-Good Vacation
Taking a vacation isn’t just about getting away from work – it’s about recharging your mind, body, and spirit. But while it’s totally understandable to spend time sipping drinks by the pool during your vacation, there’s real benefits in adding some activity too! Staying active during your time off can help you return home feeling even more refreshed, energized, and healthier.
Taking a Vacation is Known to:
- Reduce Stress – Time off lowers cortisol levels and improves overall mental well-being.
- Boost Heart Health – Taking regular vacations has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.
- Improve Mood – A change of scenery can lift your spirits and give you a break from your daily routine.
- Enhance Creativity and Focus – Taking time away gives your brain a chance to reset and think differently.
- Prevent Burnout – Vacation gives you a break from responsibilities, helping to recharge emotionally and physically.
Staying Active While on Vacation Lets You:
- Prioritize Your Health – Vacation gives you a chance to focus on your health goals, without any pressure to compromise them in the name of other responsibilities like work or school.
- Maintain Your Energy – Light movement like walking, swimming, or hiking keeps you feeling energized.
- Improve Your Sleep – Physical activity during the day promotes better rest at night.
- Indulge Guilt Free – Staying active can counterbalance heavy meals or indulgent treats.
- Prevent Post-Vacation Sluggishness – Helps you return home feeling refreshed, not drained.
How to Find Balance Between Activity and Relaxation
- Don’t Overthink It – Remember that you’re on vacation. Take the pressure off yourself to find the perfect workout plan – simple, consistent movement is all it takes to improve your health.
- Choose Activities That You Enjoy – Whether it’s biking, swimming, hiking, dancing, or something else entirely – find an activity that you enjoy! It is your vacation after all.
- Allow Indulgences – Enjoy your food, sleep in, and relax – that’s what vacations are for!
- Mix It Up – Alternate lazy days with adventurous days to create a well-rounded vacation.
- Listen To Your Body – If you’re tired, rest. If you feel restless, move.
A successful vacation doesn’t mean doing everything – it means doing what fills your cup and part of that fulfillment often comes from movement, nature, and a little spontaneity. Stay active, rest deeply, and savor the break – your mind and body will thank you for it.
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Resources:
American Psychological Association. (2018). Vacation Time Recharges US Workers, but Positive Effects Vanish Within Days, New Survey Finds. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/06/vacation-recharges-workers
Exercising to relax – harvard health publishing. Harvard Health. (2020, July 7). https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/exercising-to-relax
Janice Schreier, L. C. S. W. (2022, July 7). Stress less and have more fun. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/manage-your-stress-so-it-doesnt-manage-you-this-summer
Need a break? A vacation really can be good for you – if it’s done right. www.heart.org. (2023, January 24). https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/05/22/need-a-break-a-vacation-really-can-be-good-for-you-if-its-done-right
Thensf. (2025, March 26). Get moving to get better sleep. National Sleep Foundation. https://www.thensf.org/get-moving-to-get-better-sleep
Disclaimer:
We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.
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Listen to your care providers as they know you and your conditions best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI