Did your summer travel plans get derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic? For many, Summer 2020 looks a lot different than planned, but that’s no reason to forgo your vacation time. Taking a break amid all the stress is even more important than ever.
Health Benefits to Vacation Time
Taking time off to relax has a number of health benefits, especially with the added stress that the pandemic has brought to many lives. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can contribute to anxiety and depression, while stress can also cause high blood pressure and play a part in heart disease. By taking some time off, you can enjoy improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and allow your body and mind to heal.
Timing away from work can also help you be more productive when you return. Over time, the stress of work and life can make it harder to focus on your goals, and inhibit your memory. Taking some time away can help reset your mind.
Relaxation Ideas
Just because you can’t have the vacation you had planned doesn’t mean you can’t relax and even get away. Depending on the virus levels in your area, consider a road trip, which allows you to avoid the hazards of mass transit. Camping is a popular socially-distant activity that lets you unplug and unwind, and many campgrounds are open this summer.
You don’t have to leave your home to take some time off, though. Even simple things like a walk in the park, a family campfire in the backyard, or doing virtual tours via the internet can help boost your mood and provide many of the same benefits as a vacation. Spending time with family, doing home projects, or just taking a few days off to do nothing are all safe ways to relax this summer. Your vacation doesn’t have to be long to see the benefits. Incorporating some time into each day to relax can also have lasting benefits.
Taking vacation time is always beneficial to your health and mental well-being, but never more so than in 2020. With the added stress of a pandemic, extended time working from home, and limitations on activities, it’s more important than ever to find ways to take a break. Even though your original vacation plans may have been cancelled, finding some fun activities for the summer will benefit you in the long run.
