How holidays help you live longer
I knew it! I k-n-e-w it! I sat at home, on antibiotics and on cold and flu medicines since the moment I landed back from my Swiss adventure, feeling miserable, but when I saw this release on my inbox, my heart skipped a little beat.
Of course we are all familiar with post-holiday blues (real depression in some cases!!), but for someone to have found scientific evidence that going away on holidays is the key to a longer and healthier life, it is just brilliant, in my honest opinion.
Look at me so happy – I had just landed in Moorea, French Polynesia
People returning to work after a holiday are often told by their colleagues, ‘You look well!’ But is this really true –do holidays have an impact on your health, beyond a tan that quickly fades? For the first time Kuoni Travel and Nuffield Health have clinically measured the health benefits of a break – to provide an objective assessment of the improvements to wellbeing generated by a holiday.
Nuffield Health and psychotherapist Christine Webber, carried out a series of clinical and psychotherapeutic tests in order to develop for the first time an accurate picture of how getting away from it all can influence a whole series of key health indicators – blood pressure, ability to recover from stress, quality of sleep and, of course, emotional health.
Caught by Mr. O tweeting, or checking Facebook. I *did* have wifi at the beach 
They took 12 people (I am absolutely sure my invite got lost in the post) and gave them full health assessments and psychological tests. These poor lucky people were also asked to wear heart monitors and were given lifestyle and dietary advice.
Want to hear the best part? Half the group was sent on incredible on holidays to either Thailand, Peru or the Maldives. The other half of the group stayed at home. Two weeks after the holidaymakers returned, both groups had more medicals, psychological tests and wore heart monitors for several days.
The study showed that the holidaymakers’ ability to recover from stress, their sleep quality and their blood pressures were significantly improved compared with the group who had not had a holiday.
Source: Kuoni & Nuffield Health
Here are some of the main findings (i.e. excuses to go on holiday NOW!):
- The average blood pressure of the holidaymakers dropped by a beneficial six per cent while the average of the non-holidaymakers went up over the same period by two per cent. (Avoiding high blood pressure is important to avert risk of stroke and heart attacks).
- The sleep quality of the holidaymakers improved while that of the non-holidaymakers deteriorated. Holidaymakers saw a 17 per cent improvement while the average for non-holidaymakers reduced by 14 per cent. (Quality of sleep is important for the body to physically and mentally repair).
- The ability to recover from stress (known as the stress-resilience test) saw an average improvement of 29 per cent among holidaymakers. This compared to a 71 per cent fall in stress resilience scores among the non-holidaymakers. (The higher the stress resilience score the better the body is recovering from stress efficiently).
Yay, another day at the beach! Of course I feel fab!
OK, OK, this is all very good, but obviously we cannot go on holiday *all the time*. If you can’t afford a holiday right now, what could you do to improve your health?
Here psychotherapist Christine Webber offers 6 tips on how to look after your mental health without taking a holiday:
1. Sleep more
Often when people go on holiday, they have no idea how tired they are – till they stop. They usually report having real, deep and nourishing sleep on vacation. This is very energising and invigorating. So, if you want to feel better, work out how you can grab more ‘shut-eye’ several times a week. It might help too if you make your bedroom a place you really want to be. So, borrow some tips from your favourite holiday hotel and transform your bedroom into a luxury hideaway.
Mr. O sometimes sleeps up to 6h a day at the beach, after a good 9h sleep at night. He needs it!
2. Engage in new activities
One of the huge bonuses of a holiday is that you get a greater sense of perspective by seeing how other people live and cope in circumstances very different from your own. Clearly, it’s hard to replicate that back in the UK.
But if – perhaps at weekends – you can sometimes engage in activities that are very different from your weekday ritual, you will get that sense of tapping into a different world and feeding your soul and lifting yourself out of the humdrum that we value so much while we’re on vacation. Good ways to do it are to: walk by the sea; climb a mountain; visit a free museum; enjoy theatre; watch a DVD of David Attenborough or Simon Reeve on their exotic travels.
Apparently, I wasn’t wrong. Watching TV adventurer and presenter Simon Reeve helps me detress!
3. Go on a date
Holidays often bring couples closer together. But with some effort, you can organise more quality time together on a regular basis. Try having a ‘date’ once a week. If you have children, get a babysitter. If need be, form a babysitter circle so that you and other parents all help each other out, free, on a rota basis. Your date needn’t be an expensive one. But it should give you time to re-connect as a couple, and to have some fun and romance.
Mr O and I don’t always succeed, but we do try to have date nights at least twice a month.
4. Sit quietly and make a list
We know from past Kuoni research that the majority of people make life-changing decisions on holiday. Something about the unaccustomed time and space enables us to face up to problems and to vow to change them. But if you can’t get away, why not sit quietly one day and list those aspects of your life that you’d like to alter. Then pick the one that feels most important, and work out – step by step – how you could gradually effect some changes that would help you to solve this particular difficulty.
5. Have a computer-free day
Most people report that holidays give them a chance to ‘switch off’ their brains. This is much harder at home than it is when we are away. But why not ban all thoughts of work for at least one whole day per weekend? This means no worrying about the boss, no marking maths homework if you’re a teacher, and no work on your laptop connected to your employment. Your weekend will be much more of a rest if you give your mind a complete break from what you do on most other days of the week.
Mrs. O gets her hands dirty! I find cooking and spending time at home super therapeutic. And love having family and friends over for dinner.
6. Do things together as a family
Holidays often encourage us to try family activities that we don’t do at home. Often these pursuits help us to relax and laugh – and bring out a different side to us. So, plan a day doing something as a family that you don’t normally do – whether it’s beach volleyball, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing or maybe even dancing, or Karaoke.
So there you have it, if you are feeling a bit blue and needed an excuse, this is as good as it gets – go on and do it, it is good for you! You will live longer – in other words, just what the doctor ordered! As for me (not that I can complain, I cannot!), I am looking forward to continuing my Euro tour… and then, looking forward to some sun (which I have not seen since October!)
xo
Mrs. O
PS: The study quoted in this article was published by Kuoni and Nuffield Health. This is NOT a sponsored post in any way – I know a good story when I see one. Download the complete report here.
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Sucks to be the half that had to stay at home for the study lol! I’ve only recently started to travel and work fully, like you do Mrs. O (I’m in Playa del Carmen right now). The challenge I have is separating my work and my free time, right now it blends all together so I’m not truly getting quality vacation time. My challenge is focusing and dividing the two properly while I travel, to get the my work done without any tropical distractions, to then truly take advantage of the vacation benefits by themselves (which I assume you’re a pro at by now) and please note that I don’t want anyone reading to think I’m complaining, but travelling and working online isn’t really all vacation!
It is not at all, Simon! Very true!
Ahh that would be awesome to have a free trip, I need to get in on these ‘studies’ ha ha
I know! How amazing
NICE! I’m sure this is one of the many reasons why Chris and I are addicted to travel. We always suffer from post-trip depression once we arrive back home. It’s good to know that there are scientific studies on just how travel improves our lives!
Tawny of Captain and Clark recently posted..Pickpocket Proof Pants (Giveaway!)
I bet it was commissioned thinking of you
Indeed, so true!
side note: last pic, it doesn’t seem you are cooking, rather making a cocktail #justsaying
Paula Cristina recently posted..#FriFotos of the Week: Curves
Hum.. well spotted Sherlock! I was indeed making sangria!
Totally makes sense! Not that I really needed another reason to go on a vacation, though.
Gina recently posted..Monkey Wizard Brewery in Riwaka, New Zealand
I know I know
Ha! Good to know now there’s proof of what we’ve known all along…
Great story!
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Thanks, Pola!
Ha ha, love this! We all kind of knew it but to have it scientifically confirmed even better! Now to book our next trip
Becky Padmore recently posted..Skis and Skidoos: a trip to Villars, Switzerland
Excellent, that is the plan! Where where?
I KNEW it! Sweet vindication:)
Fiona recently posted..Dublin Travel Essentials: StoryMap App
Maybe it is the female 6th sense? Maybe
Well….good to know there’s even more benefits than just seeing the world. Yet another reason to travel more I guess:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Avenue of the Oaks – Picture of the Week
I know, it seems perfect!
i’m feeling a little run down and think i may need to book a trip STAT!
lola recently posted..un, deux, trois – my 3 travel disappointments
I know the feeling
oh oh oh Mrs O, do you think this why we are pulled by a huge magnet type force to work in the travel busienss, so we can have a little dose of R&R as much as possible. Ladies I always advocate making as much of your business trip feel like a mini-break, even if it’s just 30mins by the pool with a Pina Colada.
I agree, and Piña Coladas are always a good idea!
I would agree with this except for the perhaps negative effect on the liver, but having a few cocktails, even in excess is a good thing every once in awhile. Lovely photo of you and Mr. O.
Traveling Ted (@travelingted) recently posted..Snow & Slopes News: What’s in Store for the 2012-2013 Ski Season
I agree! Thanks, Ted!
I love the passport idea, I will investigate. How sweet!
I read about your California trip and Miami – we are playing with both. Which do you prefer?
That is not a fair question. I can’t decide as I love both. They are actually quite different – one thing, California has beaches but no sun loungers (Florida does) – I love both, so try to give them a bit of love each year. I think it has to be the easiest place for the baby!
Hello Mrs. O – I think this is very dangerous ground. Reading your blog has had an impact on my and my family’s lives – may sound stupid, but my wife and I sometimes ask “Where is Mrs. O going?” It is as if we know you, which we feel we do.
I like how you are honest and really inspire people to stop and think. Life is too short and spending time with your loved ones is very important. And if that is in on a Greek Island or in Paris, that is even better, as we get different memories.
We have a little baby (1 year old), but she comes with us all the time – she cannot have a British Airways card yet as she doesn’t occupy a seat, but she will be Silver when she can. Actually, I have to say, I started to pay more attention to miles and things when I read your post. I am now silver and almost about to get my AMEX companion voucher after I took the credit card. I do not know (I think not) if you got paid to say that – but it has worked for us so much. A little change and now we can go to the lounge before every flight – the Mrs loves the champagne and the TLC. Thank you.
The big decision is now – where should we go on our companion ticket, we have 140,000 miles!
Oh Peter, I can’t tell you how your comment brought a smile to my face. I am so pleased that in some way, I was able to help. This is what the blog is all about. Rest assured I was never ever paid by British Airways or AMEX to write that post – this is about personal preferences which I am keen to share when it may help others. Many of my friends are now Silver or Gold almost because I made them – we didn’t change any habits, we travel the same times together – it is just about knowing that benefits are there. I can’t imagine flying any other way – earlier this week I flew with a different airline, and although everything was fine, I had NO status, it was sooooooo weird! No premium check in, no luggage tags, no pre boarding, no lounge..
Oh does your little one have the baby BA passport? They used to sell them on the flights and I used to have one, but lost it. Must try and find one – the captain writes every flight baby has been on and the number of miles. A good souvenir for later!
As for the companion voucher, if I dare say, wait until you have 150,000 miles. You and your wife can fly first as it is 2 for 1. We always use our voucher for long haul as it is obviously worth it (a £6000 or £12000 ticket instead of a flight to Europe somewhere), which obviously we wouldn’t be able to go on otherwise. I think that for those miles you can go to the USA for sure, not so sure about South America or Asia. A nice trip to Miami or California could be what the doctor ordered.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment – you have made my day!
Dear Mrs O. Great piece. Very lively and fun. And it’s marvellous that most of the people who took part in the HHE had a lot of fun too. Most interesting finding for me ( I was the psychotherapist on the experiment) was that the couple who went on the busiest holiday had the greatest reduction in stress levels. Not that I think that would work for everyone. But I do think it’s important that holidays are tailored to the individual’s desires and needs. Also, I have seen changes made in the lives of the HHE participants. Several of them made life-altering decisions on holiday and have come home and put them into practice. Also, I am sure it’s possible (though not as exciting) to translate some of what happens on holidays to everyday life. That’s why I wrote the six tips which you’ve put in your blog. Maybe all your readers can build them into their everyday lives. Happy weekend – and happy holidays!
Christine, thank you so much for stopping by! I found the study extremely interesting – not just because it meant “I should go on more holidays”. I found the 6 tips extremely true, and subconsciously, I do incorporate them in my life already. The one where your bedroom is like a sanctuary is so true – at home, we try to keep it as uncluttered and as calm as possible. Never bring business conversations upstairs – and for us, no technology. No TV, no laptops, ipads, anything. And as for date night, even if it is just going out for a pizza midweek, it does keep things exciting. Maybe it is the dressing up
Fantastic research, thank you once again for taking the time to read the blog and leave a comment. Much appreciated!
Love Love Love this idea… Travel not only makes you healthier, but it keeps you young! I’m happy to go with to test this theory.
I know, we should totally be part of the next trial! But we kind of know the results, don’t we?
As if I needed another an excuse!!
Love this!
The World Wanderer recently posted..Lessons Learned on a Winter Hike.
I know. But now you can claim that it is GOOD for you! Health comes first!
Love this – and so glad that there’s now proof. Now, if only our bosses would take note!
I know, a lot of food for thought
but totally proves we were right to start with! #girlstravel and all!
Terrific summary of why travel and experiences are good for us whatever our status in life. The more people understand and value other cultures, the better off we are. Best to start and share early and just keep going.
Amen, Maralyn
That’s the spirit!
I always knew holidays were good for me! And these days I make sure I always have at least 2 breaks booked so I never need to get the holiday blues again! Love this post!
Clare recently posted..It’s Official – Britain Needs Another Holiday!
I know that feeling. I get nervous when I see only a flight booked. But then suddenly relax when I see them on the “Manage my Booking” bit of the website. Then I can relax!
SO happy to hear what I always knew was true!! Yay for going on vacation and living longer
Yay, indeed! Amen as they say
Thanks Mrs O – I have the excuse I need to vacation more! Hehehe! It is so true though – even with the stress of air travel and sleeping in a strange bed in a hotel….it is amazing how better we feel when we take a vacation. I find it so hard to believe so many people let their vacations slide and don’t go away! I don’t need a study to show how much better I feel when I am away and when I come back. I am sure productivity goes up with the renewed energy! Time to plan another vacation! Happy travels.
Anita Mac recently posted..Travel Confessions of a Travel-a-holic!
I seriously do not understand when I read that some people do not take their time off. But each to their own. Glad you found this medicinal
Great article!! I noticed this when I was in the Alps for 3 weeks. We set up a home-office, I mean just laptops and iPads laying all over the place. I got work done, slept well AND snowboarded when I wasn’t sick or sleeping in. It felt like a vacation, so we were so happy, but yet we were working. It was the perfect balance. Also, when you are somewhere for that long you don’t need to rush anything. We didn’t have to ski everyday or eat out every meal… we just went with the flow and it was so wonderful! It took some adjusting when I got back in Florence… our clients were afraid we were never coming back!
Tiana Kai recently posted..10 reasons why I miss the Alps
That sounds like a perfect set up!! And the mountains can be so peaceful and relaxing – truly wonderful!! Thanks, Tiana! Now poor you, need to go back to Florence – no sympathy from me!
Goodness, I could have told them this without all the wasted time and money. Nonetheless, I am living proof that this is true.
Leah Travels recently posted..5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Travel
hehehehe you made me laugh. I think we can provide better results if they send us on next research trip. Thailand could be interesting.
You have no idea how you made me smile – I am at the office and dying to go home and the clock didn’t move. Thank you for another great blog, Mrs. O. I love your blog.
Now, of course I need to speak to my boyfriend.. I am thinking Paris!
Paris is always a good idea!! Thank you so much for your kind words
means the world to me!
Mrs. O this is fantastique!! I agree with you – on holiday we always feel much much much better. I am going skiing next week to Verbier – you have been recently, right? Loved your pictures!
Hi Therese! Yes, just back from Verbier, Geneva and Zurich and ill ever since – so this study is true! I thought it was very interesting research and a perfect end of the week pick me up. You will love Verbier! Have you been before?
Mrs. O this is all very interesting and well – wait until my wife reads this. She reads your blog now and then we have been on more holidays than ever. Oh my, this is just the extra excuse she needed. I may not be 100% happy
Oh my oh my! I am *so sorry*. Or actually.. should I be? I am glad if in any way I inspire you and your wife to travel a bit more. I am actually honoured. So.. where to next?
Well now I have my excuse for travelling, as if I needed one. A very good article and some great tips. We all need to de-stress and what a perfect way to do it, even if we we stay at home. There are plenty of things we can see and do in our back yards which we never explore. Looking forward to skiing in March. No time for computers, staying upright is the challenge and then the apres-ski! Can’t wait.
Well said Mr. O
well said. I know they thought of us when they did this research 
Mrs. O this is fab!! I have not been on holiday for a while and really need one – I am going to look for options this weekend. I am! You haven’t been to the beach since October? Me neither. I need some sun!
Hi Maria! Thanks for your comments – no sun since October indeed. Very sad – but have been to amazing places! What sort of holiday are you planning?
not only is it great to go on vacation but how wonderful it also is to LOOK FORWARD to one! I have an amazing holiday booked for China in the late Summer and I am already on cloud 9. Infact I do not know how I will be able to contain this excitement for the next 7 months! Holidays are great especially when planned. I love these as opposed to the last minute holidays I usually take. I am planning my free days, as we are going with a tour so this is a lot of fun!
I know Hilda, you are soooooooo right! The 7 months will go sooooooooo quickly! Very happy for you!!