Can a holiday help beat the January blues?

Today has been designated Blue Monday – officially the most depressing day of the year. Apparently, post Christmas boredom, bad weather and failed resolutions all contribute to this miserable day. Ok, so this might be bit of nonsense, but in general January is not the most cheerful of months, and we often find ourselves dreaming of our next holiday as that perfect way to beat the winter blues.

So in this blog we talk about how holidays can directly improve your health. Now, this is something that we all understand in a vague sense – we feel better when we have recharged our batteries and taken a break from work. But here are the actual reasons behind these claims.

• Happiness: According to a study (although the study is almost a year old) a good holiday can boost happiness levels for as long as two months afterwards. However, the break had to be “very relaxing” to have such an effect. The research, from Rotterdam University in Holland, suggests that taking greater numbers of shorter holidays, rather than the traditional two-week summer break, can also boost happiness levels. The researchers questioned 1,500 adults, 974 of whom took a holiday during the study.
•  Exercise: One of the main excuses that we give for not exercising is lack of time. But on holiday, you’ve got plenty of time, so you can make the most of it. The trip can then leave you feeling rejuvenated, positive and full of energy. According to sports dieticians it’s possible to lose two pounds a week with a small amount of daily exercise on holiday. Thanks to the NHS for these tips.

o    You can opt for an activity-focused holiday, such as cycling, hiking or sailing, or choose a destination where you can do a variety of activities.

o    The most important thing is to do something you enjoy. Then the health benefits will be a by-product. E.g. Social games including beach volleyball, badminton and tennis – or even using a pedalo – can all encourage the body to burn up fat without even noticing it!

o    You may need to build up your fitness levels before your trip if your activity is physically demanding, such as skiing, mountaineering or windsurfing.

o    Camping holidays: These are affordable, and most children love being outdoors. There are lots of opportunities for exercise, from pitching a tent and gathering firewood, to nature hikes.

o Volunteer holidays: Whether planting trees or helping to build houses for underprivileged families, people who spend their holidays helping others get much more than a physical workout.

o Walk and Cycle:  With more time to spare on holiday, take the opportunity to walk or cycle – rather than taking the car.

o    Holiday swimming: For a more gentle work out, several lengths in the swimming pool or sea can help you keep in shape. Because your body is supported in the water, you are unlikely to strain any muscles, but swimming is a great way to stretch your body and keep it supple .

• Tasting New Dishes: This could expand your cooking repertoire and become the start of a healthier lifestyle. If you increase the variety of food you eat on a typical day, you’re more likely to meet the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals (five portions of fresh, canned, frozen or dried fruit and veg a day) needed to fight disease and maintain healthy bones and organs. Spending time in a hot country means you can indulge in plenty of salads, fresh fruit and juices. And, according to Frankie Robinson of the British Nutrition Foundation, holidays often inspire you to try out different dishes.
• Sun: We are all aware that sunlight can cause skin cancer. However, sunlight can also help prevent some conditions. Lack of sunlight is thought to trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – a depressive condition experienced in the winter months. So if you suffer from bouts of sadness, going on holiday may help to alleviate symptoms of depression. Blood levels of vitamin D are lowest in winter months when the sun is rarely out. Once exposed to sunlight, the body has the ability to convert vitamin A from the sun into vitamin D. This helps strengthen the immune system and is needed to bind calcium to bones and generates teeth development.
• Sleep: Holidays provide the perfect opportunity to catch up on sleep. Sleep deprivation through stress or work can lead to poor mental performance, premature ageing and even illness. While we are asleep our bodies undergo certain important processes – from repair and renewal to energy restoration. Deep sleep – rather than length of sleep – is the time when the brain recharges itself so we can function effectively during the day. Sleep is also important for our immune system – the part of the body that is responsible for fighting infection. Some scientists believe that during sleep we secrete higher levels of cortisol (the hormone that protects the immune system) than during the day.
• Sea water: Listening to water alters wave patterns in the brain – in the same way that meditation does. This means hearing the sound of lapping waves or cascading waterfalls on holiday can help rejuvenate the mind and body. Salt water from the ocean also has the added benefit of containing detoxifying properties. Salt is known to draw out the body’s impurities leaving you feeling clean and rejuvenated.
• Memories: Holidays often evoke happy memories. Harnessing memories can be used as an effective relaxation aid to alter wave patterns in the brain – similar to meditation. This is the stage when the brain moves into alpha waves – the stage just before sleep when your body is calm and relaxed.
• Laughter: If you’re enjoying yourself on holiday, you’re more likely to laugh. And laughter really is the best medicine. A good chuckle can strengthen the immune system by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals. This can help reduce the risk of disease – from heart conditions to allergic reactions and arthritis.

So what do you think? Let us know how you think your holidays improve your health!