When we think about a West Michigan vacation, we often imagine sprawling beaches, water-based activities, and seasonal events. Although those are awesome things to do here, one aspect of a getaway in our neck of the woods that some may not consider is how it can improve wellness and overall mental health. Studies have long shown that just taking a break from the day-to-day can help improve your well-being, and when you take the opportunity to address your health, it becomes even more effective.
Spending time in nature, visiting a wellness center, or treating yourself to some alone time are just some ways to elevate your quality of life. Thankfully, all those things and more are accessible when you stay with Unsalted Vacations. Let us show you some of the wellness benefits of a West Michigan vacation and how to maximize it.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
One of the apparent benefits of taking a West Michigan vacation is the chance to tune out, relax, and reduce the stress that comes with work, school, and other obligations. For some, that simply means finding a change of scenery; for others, it’s a process. For example, you may put your phone on silent mode, keep the television off, and avoid other digital distractions to allow yourself to live in the moment. Also, many will opt to read, write, or work on art projects. Still, you may wish to do nothing besides just be, and that’s completely understandable. No matter your choice, you can feel good knowing you’ll be far away from the hustle and bustle when staying here.
Consider browsing How to Prepare and Plan for an Epic Self-Care Vacation for relaxation ideas.
Fitness and Healing Arts
Many vacationers prioritize physical activity and exercise in their itineraries. Exposure to new experiences in a different place can stimulate the brain, boost creativity, and allow your mind to do a soft reset. Whether you prefer laid-back sports like fishing and golf or strenuous endeavors like biking and kayaking, our area has plenty to offer. At the same time, if you’re looking for ways to revitalize and rejuvenate or improve your mindfulness, places like Black River Acupuncture, West Michigan Wellness, Dutch Roots Yoga & Wellness, and Satya Yoga are just a few of the many local options.
Improved Sleep Quality
Taking away the cognitive impact of life’s hustle and bustle can lead to a more relaxed psyche, which in turn leads to better sleep. Moreover, suppose you’re consuming less caffeine and junk food than usual and engaging in more activities. In that case, you may also find more restful sleep (it also doesn’t hurt that our vacation rentals have extremely comfy bedding). Vacations are so effective in improving sleep quality that CNN Travel has an article about the rise of sleep tourism.
Creating Memories and Forging Bonds
A West Michigan vacation often involves spending time with family and friends. Strong social connections are linked to better mental health. Sharing experiences, creating memories, and enjoying quality time with loved ones during a vacation contribute to a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. If you’re a solo traveler, you can apply these concepts to meeting new people or finding a particular place of interest.
Vacation Rentals in South Haven, Saugatuck, and Holland, MI
As you reflect on the wellness benefits of a West Michigan vacation, consider turning these thoughts into reality. A stay with Unsalted Vacations offers a retreat for mind, body, and soul, whether it’s the stress-melting environment, holistic health providers, stimulating physical activities, or the joy of forging connections with loved ones and meeting new people. So, seize the opportunity to embrace the importance of self-care, and let Unsalted Vacations be your gateway to an enriching escape. Your path to rejuvenation awaits!
Book a vacation rental home and start planning your next great Michigan vacation today!
Who wants a fun way to be healthier? Perhaps now more than ever, we’re aware of all the things we need to juggle in order to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Health experts frequently remind us to exercise enough, eat the right foods, get all of the right vitamins and minerals, drink enough water, and somehow find time to relax. It can feel like a very impossible to do list!
But what if you knew that scientific studies actually support the claim that vacations can improve your health? Vacations are fun! It’s a lot more exciting (we think) to add “plan a vacation” to your list instead of “eat more broccoli” or “stop eating so much ice cream”!
Below, you’ll find six science-backed health benefits of taking a vacation.
6 Ways Vacations Will Make You Healthier
According to the US Travel Association, Americans left 786 million unused vacation days in 2018. Since the United States’ “grind culture” exalts the virtues of working nonstop, it’s no surprise that many of us are reluctant to take time off from work for vacations. However, more and more esteemed organizations like Forbes are pointing out that working all the time is unreasonable. Alternatively, it’s better to work smarter – by getting ample rest and returning to work to perform smarter and more efficiently.
1. Vacations help reset the sleep cycle and promote better sleep even after you return home.
We all enjoy feeling well-rested, but sleep deprivation is a common problem. Stress and anxiety can make insomnia worse, but a vacation is a good way to address the problem. In a fascinating study conducted by New Zealand Air, participants wore monitors on their wrists to measure the quality of sleep both before, during, and after a vacation. Researchers found that vacationers started sleeping at least one hour longer after just two or three days of vacation. And those longer nights of rest lasted even after the vacation, too.
Staying in a comfortable vacation rental home is a great way to catch some extra zs. Especially if you’ve been stuck in a rut – the new setting and bed is a great way to “reset” your mind as you prepare to wind down each night!
2. Studies show that vacations promote a healthier heart.
This study from the Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine shows that middle-aged men with a high risk for coronary heart disease were able to reduce their risk of death by taking more vacations. And again, another study suggests that women who take regular periods of rest and relaxation each year have a lower risk of heart attack.
3. You can improve your brain power and creativity by spending time living in a brand new place.
Looking to boost your creative brain power? In the article entitled “For a More Creative Brain, Travel,” author Brent Crane examines the benefits of living in a foreign country. In it, he discusses a variety of different studies conducted by neuroscientists and researchers.
The emphasis of these studies is how the vacation time is spent and its effect on creativity. Vacationers lounging by the pool all day may not experience a large burst in creativity. However, vacationers who “live like the locals,” or immerse themselves in the everyday life of the locals, open up the creative possibilities in their brain. This translates into more creative output. For example, in this fascinating study, Adam Galinsky found a link between creative directors of fashion houses who traveled abroad more frequently and higher-rated, more creative fashion lines throughout their careers.
4. Vacations may help reduce depression and other mental health problems.
In one fascinating scientific study, researchers in Sweden found that Swedes consumed less antidepressants during times when a higher percentage of the population had time for vacation. This implies that when more people have time for themselves to rest, relax, and engage meaningfully with loved ones during vacation, the less they suffer from mental health problems.
5. The basic act of planning a vacation can make you happier!
Researchers in this study observed the happiness levels of vacationers throughout the process of planning a vacation, taking the vacation, and returning to normal life. Researchers found that vacationers are happier in general than people who do not take vacations. Interestingly, vacationers were at their peak happiness levels when they were simply planning their vacations! While their happiness levels were generally higher for many days after the vacation, it is the planning phase that pleases most people.
If you need some inspiration for planning a vacation in West Michigan, you should check out 4 Unique Michigan State Parks near Unsalted Vacation Rentals and Shake Off Winter with a Lake Michigan Spring Getaway.
6. Your body and mind need you to take a break from the office! The longer, the better.
Another study reveals that a four-night vacation lowered stress and improved feelings of well-being in participants. These effects were observable as long as 45 days after the vacation! Interestingly, taking a vacation in a different environment enhances these benefits.
A second study published in The Journal of Happiness Studies focused on the benefits of a longer, fourteen day vacation. Scientists found that the health and wellness benefits of a vacation peak on the eighth day.
As you’re probably aware, reducing stress is a multi-faceted health benefit. It’s a great way to prevent burnout and improve mental health. But stress reduction can also ease chronic pain and make chronic conditions feel more manageable. Lowering your stress can also improve heart health, enhance sleep quality, and help you perform more efficiently when you do return to work! Check out How to Plan an Epic Self Care Vacation for inspiration.
Next Steps: Consider a Vacation in Michigan!
It can be tempting to believe that overworking yourself will increase your productivity – but the opposite is actually true. As we’ve discussed, scientists support some rather life-changing benefits of taking vacations! If you have a friend who needs a friendly reminder that it’s okay to take a break, make sure to share this article with them. Who knows? Perhaps a simple conversation is all the inspiration you need to begin planning the next vacation of your dreams!
Check out our extensive inventory of vacation rentals located all along the west coast of Michigan. Use the blue chat icon in the bottom corner of the screen to chat with an Escape Artist today!
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