The Cardiologist's Wife

Vacation Lessons For A Healthier Life

[ Post by Lisa Tedder ][ Post on August 20, 2013 ][ In Medical and Health Information ]

 

I’m back from a lovely beach vacation and I wish I was still there with all my heart.  Wouldn’t it be nice if our every day life was as nice as a vacation?  If we could relax, eat well, sleep and exercise just enough without having to worry about bills, work, illnesses and school, our lives would be perfect.  But there are lessons to be learned from a vacation that we can apply to our every day lives.  Let’s exam some of the ways we can make every day a vacation day, or at least some of them.

 

I’ll bet you get more sleep on vacation and catch up on your rest.  Why not make getting enough sleep a regular habit, not just a vacation treat?  Think how much better you feel when you get enough sleep; how happy and focused you are.  What do you need to do to get at least 7 hours of sleep most nights?  Turn off the TV?  Get off Facebook or quit texting your friends?  Are you unable to sleep because you are worrying about things you can’t control?  Try meditation, a warm bath before bed and some Melatonin.  With regular sleep habits, you will be happier, less stressed, be better able to maintain a normal weight and suffer less from illness.

 

Some vacations involve some sort of outdoor activity like snow skiing, boating or hiking.  Wasn’t it nice to be outdoors, enjoying the sun, the great weather and breathing some fresh air?  Don’t go back home and live indoors the rest of the year.  Make a point to spend time outside everyday and not just walking from your door to your car.  At the very least, take a 15 minute walk around the block several times a week.  Go to a park on the weekends with your kids and the family dog.  Mow the lawn and relish the smell of fresh cut grass and the sense of accomplishment when your yard looks neat and trim.  Get in touch with your inner kid and ride a bike or shoot some hoops.  We were meant to be active and we thrive on being outdoors.  It brings stress relief and a sense of well being.  Heck, even a walk in the rain with the right person can be uplifting!

 

Many of us try new things while on vacation; from new foods, a different language to a new skill like diving.  Why not make learning a part of your every day life?  Learning new things keeps you mentally sharp and the brain from deteriorating.  Doing new things together with your spouse keeps you connected as a couple and strengthens your relationship.  You could learn new job skills or pick up a new hobby, just go wherever your interests lead you.  Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”  Her point was to challenge yourself, not to become complacent.  Your life will be so much more interesting and fulfilling if you do.

 

Vacations are often a time to visit family and friends and reconnect.  Make more time for your friends and family every day.  Those who have good relationships are less depressed and have less trouble with Alzheimer’s disease.  Schedule regular social evenings to get together with friends like book clubs or supper clubs.  Join a Sunday school class or an exercise group.  Facebook can keep you in touch with far away relatives but don’t rely on social media alone; make sure you get some actual face time with those you care about most, including those living in the same house!

 

I hope you are inspired to extend that vacation feeling into the rest of your year.  Post a few vacation photos on your fridge or your bathroom mirror to remind yourself of your goals.

Upadated on August 20, 2013