According to a recent scientific study, going on holiday makes you feel better. And you may even live longer.
In other news it’s been revealed that water is wet, the sun rises in the east and the Pope is a Catholic. But statements of the obvious aside, it’s encouraging to hear scientists validating what we cruisers have always known. Cruising is good for you.
Yes, there’s the immediate gain of having a great holiday and absorbing new experiences. But there are also longer term health advantages that come from escaping the anxieties of everyday life and giving your body and soul a chance to recuperate.
Quality of life
Research carried out at Victoria University in Australia by Dr Sebastian Filep found that travel is linked to a better quality of life.
Dr Filep said, “We know that people from the Netherlands and the US who travel, report greater levels of happiness than those who do not. Now we have evidence there is a link between happiness and travel.”
Apparently going on holiday gives the traveller positive emotions, not to mention a greater sense of purpose and involvement.
Holiday joy
Dr Filep believes the joy of a holiday extends well beyond the actual duration of the break.
It also encompasses the pre-holiday planning and the post-holiday reminiscences. These can include swapping stories with friends, looking at photographs or simply reflecting on your experiences.
The scientist’s findings, which were based on a study of 60 travellers and 200 backpackers, will shortly be appearing in a book called ‘Tourists, Tourism and the Good Life.’
Better health
Analysis of the findings suggests that people who travel enjoy better health and may suffer less heart disease. In addition they may be less prone to clinical depression.
Although Filep is not recommending that doctors stop prescribing anti-depressants, he believes a holiday could play a part in treating depression.
Greatest advantage
While it’s true many holidays can make you feel better, I reckon if you want to gain the greatest advantage from a vacation, you really should go cruising.
Everything you need to increase your overall vitality can be found in abundance on a cruise.
By that I mean things like ocean air, frequent changes of scene, the prospect of meeting interesting people and the opportunity to visit exciting places and encounter different cultures and cuisines.
On a mission
At the same time, while cruising you always have the sense that you’re on a mission.
Even if you’re idling beside one of the ship’s pools, you feel you are heading somewhere and there is meaning and purpose to your day.
That can be important for your mental and physical well being.
A different you
Cruises work at so many different levels, you may not immediately appreciate what is going on. Then one morning, usually on the second day, you awake to find that a different you has emerged.
One that is more relaxed and at ease with yourself.
And for those of you who only have tiny windows for a holiday the good news is you don’t have to disappear for long. According to Dr Filep even a short break can do wonders for you.
The benefits
So let’s just quickly recap.
Benefits, as identified in this study, can include greater happiness, less depression, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and an increased lifespan.
I don’t know about you, but it seems clear to me. Not cruising could be life threatening. So if I were you I’d find myself a cruise deal before it’s too late.
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2 Comments
Aug 18 2010
15:52
I’m sure my doctor would agree that the additional exercise I get from shore excursions, on-board activities and throwing some shapes in the dance floor is all good for me.
On the flip side, I eat more, drink more and smoke more when I am on holiday.
I’d say for me, cruising just about evens me out.
On a serious note, one thing that is healthier is my wallet. I booked my last 2 cruises with Virgin and it was very good value for money.
Aug 25 2010
9:28
Good to hear cruising evens you out, Frankie. I always say there’s nothing better than a good evening out. But of course with all the fun activities and new experiences you get with a cruise, you ultimately end up well ahead.
I envy you being able to throw shapes on the dance floor. The way I move I’m more likely to be thrown off the dance floor.