They say that travelling is not only good for the soul, but also essential for the body and mind. But is it really possible to have a healthier and stress-free life simply by travelling and seeing the world?
Travelling reduces blood pressure
In the UK, a 2013 Holiday Health Report by Nuffield revealed that travel can also lower blood pressure. Researchers monitored a group who visited Peru, Thailand and the Maldives to holiday and revealed that their blood pressure dropped by around six per cent. In addition, the travellers also boosted their resilience to recover from stress by 29 per cent!
Travelling means better heart health for women and men
According to a 20-year follow-up of a Framingham Heart Study, heart health can also be boosted by regular holidays. Women who take at least two holidays a year are eight times less likely to develop heart disease or have a heart attack compared to those who only go on trips every six years or less.
There are plenty of travel rights for blokes, too. Similar research demonstrated that men at high risk of developing coronary heart disease lowered their risk of death overall by 21 per cent (and their risk of heart attack by 32 per cent) by taking yearly leisure trips.
Planning travel raises the happiness bar
It’s true! Research carried out in the Netherlands showed that the simple act of planning a trip can enhance your happiness and invite positive feelings. Also, the happier and more relaxed the holiday, the better chance you have of sustaining post-holiday happiness.
Travelling means more rays
Slip, slop, slap! We’re always being so wary of the sun that we often forget a bit of vitamin D can be good for us. Sunshine and vitamin D can benefit your immune system, help your body absorb calcium, lower stress and – hooray! – help you get over jet lag more quickly.
Travelling creates energy
Positive, relaxed and stress-free trips can also give you a great lift in energy. Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, says that 94 per cent of surveyed travellers who experienced a ‘good trip’ returned to work with the same amount of energy or more. And 55 per cent went back with more energy than they had before the trip.
Travelling is essential for life happiness
The proof is in! No matter where you decide to go, travelling can lead to happiness.
Have you got your next holiday planned?
Don’t leave your travel insurance until the last minute! With InsureandGo travel insurance, you can purchase your cover up to 365 days prior to departure. In addition, as a YourLifeChoices subscriber, you will receive 10 per cent off your next policy at www.insureandgo.com.au or phone 1300 552 701.
Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited, ABN 49 000 525 637, issues InsureandGo Travel Insurance (the insurance). Please read the combined product disclosure statement and financial services guide available at www.insureandgo.com.au/policy-wordings to decide if the insurance is right for you.
