I want a vacation! This statement may mean more than all of us realize. Studies have recently shown that your well-being may depend on it.
The number of Americans who plan on vacationing within the next six months is near a thirty year low, according to the Conference Board, a private research firm. A general consumer survey by the same firm also suggests 39% of those people surveyed are not considering a vacation next year -- a figure that is at an all-time low since 1978. Consultants in the public health field feel this is a mistake.
Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack.
There is a clear correlation between lifestyle and stress. A study published in 2000 involving 12,000 men over a nine year period had parallel findings. Men who did not vacation annually were 33% more likely to die of a heart attack and had a 21% risk of death from other causes. The facts also point to the effect vacations have on your mental health. Research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin report the rate of depression increased as the frequency of vacations decreased.
So, there is true evidence that travel is necessary to a healthy well-being. The time is now to redefine our vacation planning strategy. Tighter budgets require that we consider all the options. In the not too distant past, the ambitious travel giant, MOR Vacations, made public a new product that makes family travel on a shoestring budget a reality. Getting vacation time approved may be the only hurdle.
Almost 25% of Americans working in the private sector do not receive paid vacations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are 127 countries that mandate paid vacations. The U.S. does not. John de Graaf, executive director of the Take Back Your Time board, is lobbying Congress to pass the Minimum Leave Protection, Family Bonding, and Personal Well-Being Act that will mandate three weeks of vacation. It's a tough sell to business, but more enticing than sick time because it is more predictable.
Indications are that the economic downturn is not over. Offsetting the negative ramifications is vital to our health. It may be necessary to set aside funds to ensure a relaxing and luxurious vacation. We all deserve it.
A lifetime travel club membership could add up to be an excellent investment. Steer clear of timeshare scams which require annual maintenance fees and lengthy payment arrangements. Investigate options offering only an up-front fee and a membership that is fully-transferrable. Free unlimited guest travel and upgrade to VIP status for new members is even more valuable. A product like this will leverage your work-life balance and make the most of your travel budget. - 16887
The number of Americans who plan on vacationing within the next six months is near a thirty year low, according to the Conference Board, a private research firm. A general consumer survey by the same firm also suggests 39% of those people surveyed are not considering a vacation next year -- a figure that is at an all-time low since 1978. Consultants in the public health field feel this is a mistake.
Just when job insecurity and stress are at an all-time high, we could use a break. The Framingham Heart Study, an ambitious health research project, has been striving since 1948 to identify common risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease. Researchers of the project observed three generations of questionnaires filled out over a twenty year period. The data showed women who vacationed only once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary artery disease or have a heart attack.
There is a clear correlation between lifestyle and stress. A study published in 2000 involving 12,000 men over a nine year period had parallel findings. Men who did not vacation annually were 33% more likely to die of a heart attack and had a 21% risk of death from other causes. The facts also point to the effect vacations have on your mental health. Research scientists at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin report the rate of depression increased as the frequency of vacations decreased.
So, there is true evidence that travel is necessary to a healthy well-being. The time is now to redefine our vacation planning strategy. Tighter budgets require that we consider all the options. In the not too distant past, the ambitious travel giant, MOR Vacations, made public a new product that makes family travel on a shoestring budget a reality. Getting vacation time approved may be the only hurdle.
Almost 25% of Americans working in the private sector do not receive paid vacations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are 127 countries that mandate paid vacations. The U.S. does not. John de Graaf, executive director of the Take Back Your Time board, is lobbying Congress to pass the Minimum Leave Protection, Family Bonding, and Personal Well-Being Act that will mandate three weeks of vacation. It's a tough sell to business, but more enticing than sick time because it is more predictable.
Indications are that the economic downturn is not over. Offsetting the negative ramifications is vital to our health. It may be necessary to set aside funds to ensure a relaxing and luxurious vacation. We all deserve it.
A lifetime travel club membership could add up to be an excellent investment. Steer clear of timeshare scams which require annual maintenance fees and lengthy payment arrangements. Investigate options offering only an up-front fee and a membership that is fully-transferrable. Free unlimited guest travel and upgrade to VIP status for new members is even more valuable. A product like this will leverage your work-life balance and make the most of your travel budget. - 16887
About the Author:
Dardent Loren Sullivan is an ardent traveler and affiliate with MOR Vacations. Visit his web page for more tips and solutions for luxury travel.
No comments:
Post a Comment