To my regular readers an apology. I know that I have touched on this topic a few times in the past but it is so important and backed by so much new research that I felt it was worth mentioning it again.
Language. This blog is (thankfully) read all over the world. People in places like the UK use the term holiday and vacation interchangeably but most our US friends tend to see a holiday as something like Thanksgiving Day. I will therefore use the term Vacation to avoid confusion.
Americans are not taking all of their earned vacation days. A 2014 survey revealed that while 96% of people recognize the importance of taking time off, 41% did not plan on taking all of their available vacation. Another survey showed that 42% of Americans did not take a single day of vacation in 2014.
This is bad for your health, your family, your mental well being and for your effectiveness at work!
Vacations are good for your health.
For example, a nine-year study, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, found that middle-aged people at high risk for heart disease who took regular annual vacations were 32% less likely to develop heart disease.
According to the Framingham heart study — a renowned longitudinal study of cardiovascular disease — women who vacationed frequently were less likely to have heart attacks or die of coronary-related reasons.
A Wisconsin study of 1,500 rural women demonstrated that frequent vacations led to less depression and tension, as well as greater energy and marital satisfaction.
Families as a whole benefit from vacation, too. A poll found that 97% of parents with children aged 5 to 17 said their children learned more about them on family trips. Also, these getaways enable families to have more meals together and be sillier and more affectionate with each other.
Dr Lucy Goundry, Nuffield Health’s Medical Director, said: ‘Our clinical results show how vacations helped couples reduce their blood pressure, improve their sleep and manage their stress levels better. ‘These results clearly demonstrate that on vacation our ability to physically cope with stress improves.
Ladies this bit is specially for you.
Stress May Cause Fat Around the Midsection in Lean Women
Even some slender women have problems with fat. Research shows that lean women who are stressed-out may be more likely to have “spare tires” around their midsections -which increases their risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. “Our findings support the idea that greater life stress and stress reactivity can contribute to central fat, especially among lean women,” says study author Elissa Epel, PhD. “For lean women, central fat may indicate an underlying sensitivity to stress rather than being in part a result of obesity.” Epel, who was a research scientist at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., when the study was conducted, is now with the Health Psychology Program at the University of California, San Francisco.
“When you have chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, you crave carbohydrates and fats, and these extra calories make a beeline to the inner abdomen, she explains. As levels of the female hormone estrogen change as women age, fat goes to the abdominal area instead of the hips and thighs, where it was formerly needed to support reproductive functions”. Dr. Peeke says.
So why do we not take the much needed break?
We enjoy them.
We need them.
We want them
So what is the problem?
Research suggests that there are 2 main obsticals.
1. People are concerned that their job will not manage without them. Actually the research clearly shows that you will do a far better job with a break.
Vacation Makes You More Productive and Relaxed
Interestingly, the concept of leaving unused vacation days is practically unheard of in Europe. In fact, the European Union requires its citizens to receive at least 20 paid vacation days every year. (In contrast, U.S. companies are not legally required to give their employees any paid time off.)
This mandate stems from the idea that workers are not only less stressed when given time off, but that they come back more productive and less likely to burn out.
2. People feel that they simply can’t afford to take a decent vacation.
Let us help you. That is what we are here for.
As a registered house sitter you and your family will be offered a wide range of vacations all over the world. Totally rent-free.
But what about your home and pets? What will happen to them?
Again we can help. Register as a Home Owner (it is free) and we will help you find a suitable person to look after your home and pets free of charge.
Don’t delay. Be bold and take a major step towards a happier, healthier and more productive life.
If you would like to benefit from our service please have a look at the website. http://www.Christian-housesitters.com or CLICK HERE.
God bless you,
Ray
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TLC Children’s Trust
UK Charity number 1156786
www.tlc-childrenstrust.org
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