Health & Travel - 18 Ways to a Happier & Healthier You, Pt 1

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#1 Way to Improve Mental & Emotional Wellness

Mini-Vacations

Take mini vacations for 1-3 days every month - which is more beneficial for your mental health. It can leave you feeling more recharged & calmed. Also, use 3-4 lunch hours at work per week just for YOU. Go to your favorite spot & do some kind of fun activity or, just walk for 35 minutes. Then spend 5 minutes stretching and 2 minutes breathing deeply in a relaxing posture. Trust me - you'll start looking forward to this time.

Short/Long Vacations

Studies have found that you will gain the most health benefits with vacations lasting at least 1-2 weeks. The health benefits of a 5-7 day vacation can last up to 45 days after returning home. One study found that longer trips can decrease stress & improve sleep, and the benefits can be felt up to 5 weeks later.

Health Benefits Gained During Travel/Vacations

• Stress - The break from job burnout & home life stresses will significantly decline. The first morning away with no alarm clocks abruptly reminding you about the demanding bundle of tasks & obstacles you would normally have to struggle with throughout the day are GONE. This makes a huge & positive impact on your mental state almost immediately.

• Mental health - it's not long before your mind & body begin to detangle & relax. Next, you'll find your mind becoming more focused and your mood lifting. You'll start to feel alive again, and more like YOU.

• Sleep - after several days, your sleep improves and you feel more relaxed & rested. Your mind uses sleep to declutter & empty out. With a few good night's sleep, you'll feel the mental heavy gloom drizzle out and the carefree & cheerful infuse it's way in.

• Physical health - with all the walking you're doing getting to those waterfalls or around the theme park, you'll start to feel lighter, stronger, more confident, and just happy. You'll begin diving into the fun & enjoyable activities you planned with almost childlike joy. You can feel your body get re-energized as well.

• Heart disease - after 1 or 2 weeks, your mind & body have begun to heal and start to work more like how they're designed to work. This will lower your risk for heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

Bonus Tips for Max Health Benefits

1. Before you go - leave your house clean and in order, and have enough groceries in the fridge for at least a couple days.

2. Always pack extra clothes for 1 day, small bottles of makeup or guy stuff, and a book in your carry-on bag just in case your luggage is delayed.

3. Don't bring all your electronic gadgets with you. Unplug, and only use your phone in "necessary" instances.

4. Don't use your electronic devices later at night. Did you know the blue light from electronic devices used within an hour before going to bed disrupts your sleep. Yep, your body can't produce melatonin as it should, so it's difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep per a study by the National Academy of Sciences.

5. If obstacles or challenges pop up on your travels, view it as an opportunity to find a treasure. I'm sometimes amazed at people I've met or spectacular sites I've seen on an unplanned delay or re-route.

6. When you get back, don't freak out at the pile of mail at home or the pile of paper on your desk. Tackle 1 task at a time.

More Ways to a Happier & Healthier You

1. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5-6 days/week. Even walking will get your heart pumping faster than a seated position - which does wonders for your mood & boosts physical, mental, and emotional health.

2. Get good sleep 7-8 hours/night. Melatonin 5mg can help if you have trouble falling or staying asleep.

3. Turn off electronics 1 hour before bedtime: cell phones, computers, tablets, and LED/fluorescent lights. The blue light causes your body to reduce or delay your melatonin (sleepy) hormone production. It also reduces 2 types of deep sleep that you need for brain function.

4. Harvard published a 2023 study that says watching TV excessively, 4+ hours/day - is related to greater risk of developing brain-based disorders like dementia, depression, and Parkinson's disease.

5. Do relaxing stretches for your muscles, and practice deep breathing while stretching. The extra oxygen is a great health booster.

6. Get a pet - guinea pigs, birds, dogs, or whatever suits you best. Pets are proven to help lower stress/anxiety, lift your mood, and provide loving companionship. That's a WIN WIN WIN.

7. Meditate or pray. This is an awesome boost to mood, self-worth, and motivation. It also restores your sense of peace & rejuvenates your mind.

8. Avoid social media. Instead, work on personal (in-person) relationships. Friends & family will enrich your life in many ways. It's why God created Eve, to give Adam companionship - and a chance to love, laugh, and live fulfilled.

9. Volunteering & giving to others will boost your mood and make you feel happy, fulfilled, and....well, great. Even when you're tired - volunteer anyway and you'll get recharged. FYI: giving doesn't mean only financial, your time is also valuable.

Overall Health & Wellness Hack

Adopt healthy habits:

• The food you eat can lift your mood & outlook, or, it can bring you down.

• Physical activity 5-6x/week gives you confidence & empowerment - makes you feel like you can conquer anything.

• Mental exercises like challenging games with friends will keep you sharp & on top of your game.

Bottom Line

Plan your next health-infusing vacation, and enjoy your happier & healthier self. Remember, it's a journey not an overnight magic trick.

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