Not sure if you should book that last-minute summer getaway? Here’s a sign that you should: when it comes to lowering stress, one of the best strategies for women is to take a trip.
“The number one thing women should do to reduce their stress is go on vacation,” says preventative neurologist Dr. Kellyann Niotis. “You’re going to come back and feel more refreshed, be more creative and have better concentration and memory.”
She explains that taking time off gives your body a break from the constant stressors of daily life, which can take a toll on your brain health. Losing brain cells from chronic stress can actually increase the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Niotis warns that women’s brains may be more susceptible to the negative effects of the stress hormone cortisol than men’s. That’s why taking time off is important, but the way you do it makes a difference. This brain expert says the key is to reset and disconnect.
- Your time off should be longer than three days - It takes that long to get the real brain health benefits of a break. And if you can’t get away, there’s nothing wrong with a staycation, but if you can swing it, there are added benefits to a change of scenery. According to one study, the stress levels of those who spend a 4-night vacation in a hotel were lower than a group who took time off and stayed at home. Plus, the hotel group reported feeling happier even a month after the trip.
- Your out of office message needs to mean it - Dr. Niotis explains that it’s critical to be offline and truly disconnected from work to get the benefits. That means no email and no Zoom meetings.
- If you can’t get away, but need to - A break in the middle of the work day can help. Even a 20-minute break from work, like going for a walk outside, can give you a powerful reset, according to this expert.
Source: She Knows
Scott's Thoughts:
- Well, that settles it, we all need at least a 3-day vacation!
- Sure, a walk around the neighborhood can help, but it doesn’t come close to easing stress like a vacation does!
- Taking a walk outside these days is tough with the heat and Canadian smoke!