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How Summer Vacations Boost Health: A Seasonal Reset for Mind and Body

Summer is the time of year when many things slow down—the kids are out of school, families take vacations, and outdoor festivities are in full swing. Whether you plan to go on vacation or enjoy a staycation, summer is an excellent opportunity to set new health goals or revisit old ones.


Orange beach umbrella with "BANANA BEACH" text, set against a clear blue sky. Bright and summery mood.

A summer break from work and the daily grind promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels. Stepping away from work also enhances creativity by allowing mental space that is more receptive to fresh perspectives and insights. When this “mental reset” is embraced, problem-solving becomes more fluid, enabling introspection on what matters most—including which health goal should be next on the list.


In 2021, Gump et al. published an article on the psychological benefits of taking a vacation, showing that the mental health benefits extended beyond the vacation itself. However, if work spilled over into vacation time, those mental health benefits were essentially undermined.

Another study by Hruska et al. examined the relationship between vacation frequency and the development of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar, elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and insulin resistance. Other symptoms can include abdominal weight gain, fatigue, and cravings for sugar and sweets. The study found that the more vacations participants took throughout the year, the less likely they were to develop metabolic syndrome. The risk decreased by nearly a quarter with each additional vacation taken [2].


Summer is the perfect time to stave off metabolic syndrome by engaging in more outdoor activities, reducing screen time, and finding ways to incorporate healthier physical habits.


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References

  1. Gump BB, Hruska B, Pressman SD, Park A, Bendinskas KG. Vacation's lingering benefits, but only for those with low stress jobs. Psychol Health. 2021 Aug;36(8):895-912. doi: 10.1080/08870446.2020.1814958. Epub 2020 Sep 2. PMID: 32877234.

  2. Hruska B, Pressman SD, Bendinskas K, Gump BB. Vacation frequency is associated with metabolic syndrome and symptoms. Psychol Health. 2020 Jan;35(1):1-15. doi: 10.1080/08870446.2019.1628962. Epub 2019 Jun 17. PMID: 31204484.



Disclaimer:

This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.

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