Take ten seconds to do a quick body and mind check. Can you quiet your mind or is it busy listing off things that you need to do? Did you even realize that you were holding your breath a little? That your shoulders were tensed? Take a moment to correct that. And, then take 30 minutes more to really correct that – call me and let’s plan a vacation. You need it.
Neuroscience shows we require downtime in order for our bodies to recharge. Resting and recharging makes it easier for your brain to produce feelings of calm and peacefulness. Even anticipating time off for a vacation can improve your mood. And taking time off helps to relieve stress, ease feelings of depression and boost your immune system.
Your brain works better and memory functions better when on vacation. Your brain’s neural connections are better able to create a strong memory trace if a memory is tied to emotion. And, nothing inspires an emotional reaction more than seeing an amazing new destination or vista for the first time, tasting unique new foods or flavors, or seeing your children experience something new and wonderful. These vacation experiences stimulate the brain’s pleasure circuit, which releases an influx of dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and other neurochemicals that make us feel good and those memories stick better and longer.
And there are long-term benefits to your brain by regularly taking time off. The more often you get away, the lower your mortality rate and stress-levels based on a nine-year study by the University of Pittsburgh of middle-aged vacationers.
Be good to you. Travel well…
Travel Well Trip Planning 