How Vacations Make You Wealthier, Ep #218

As family stewards, we think of wealth differently. Many people focus on money. Our wealth might be our family, spirituality, friends, etc. Money might be further down the list. So how do vacations make you wealthy? When you are healthy, you are wealthy. Anyone who struggles with chronic illness would give anything for their health. In the article “Importance of Taking a Vacation,” Kathryn Isham shares seven health benefits of taking vacations. In this episode of Best in Wealth, I will share Kathryn’s research and why I think it holds up. [bctt tweet="How do vacations make you wealthy? I share my thoughts in this episode of Best in Wealth. Don’t miss it! #wealth #retirement #investing #PersonalFinance #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement" username=""] Outline of This Episode [1:04] What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken? [4:03] Bonus benefit: Anticipating your vacation [7:53] Benefit #1: Improved physical health [8:27] Benefit #2: Improved mental health [9:11] Benefit #3: Greater well-being [9:57] Benefit #4: Increased mental motivation [10:42] Benefit #5: Improved family relationships [13:26] Benefit #6: Decreased burnout [14:56] Benefit #7: Boosted happiness Benefit #1: Improved physical health Did you know that stress contributes to heart disease and high blood pressure? The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) found that women who took a vacation once every six years or less were eight times more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease or experience a heart attack, compared to those who vacation twice a year. What a great excuse to vacation, right? Benefit #2: Improved mental health Neuroscientists have found that chronic exposure to stress can alter your brain structure: “Stress can cause an imbalance…[which impacts] cognition, decision making, anxiety and mood.” Vacations help calm you and relieve stress. I do not know about you, but anticipating a vacation improves my mental health. [bctt tweet="Did you know that taking a vacation can improve your mental health? I share why this should matter to family stewards in this episode of Best in Wealth! #wealth #retirement #investing #PersonalFinance #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement" username=""] Benefit #3: Greater well-being According to a Gallup Poll, “Making time for regular trips or vacations with family and friends is linked to higher overall well-being.” In her article, Kathryn also points out that three days after a vacation people sleep better and are in better moods compared to the time before their vacation. Benefit #4: Increased mental motivation Many people are more focused and productive once they return from a vacation. Studies have found that chronic stress can make it difficult to achieve certain tasks and lead to memory problems. Taking time off is a “tune-up” for your brain. It makes sense that you would be more revived and focused, right? Benefit #5: Improved family relationships As a family steward, I believe that family time matters. You can certainly create family time in everyday life—do not get me wrong. We make a point to eat family dinners together at least 2–3 times a week to build our relationships. But there is something special about...