(Stephanie Brown/ Very Well Health) — About 46% of Americans who get paid time off (PTO) from work say they do not use all of it. But missing out on that time may mean missing out on important health benefits. Research shows that taking vacations can support heart health, improve sleep, and reduce stress.
A recent study found that people are more active and sleep longer when they’re on vacation—two research-backed health-supporting behaviors. Here’s why experts say that taking time off work is good for your mind and body and why you don’t want to let those vacation days go to waste.
For the recent study, the researchers gathered data from more than 300 Australian adults over the course of 13 months.
On average, the study participants got an extra 21 minutes of sleep. Their sedentary time went down by 29 minutes while they were on vacation compared to their pre-vacation habits. In particular, people who took hiking, fishing, and camping trips saw an increase in their physical activity time while on vacation.(…)