A stay in Montego Bay can brighten your mood, strengthen your ties to family, and improve your job performance.
American workers tend to work more than people anywhere else. We work longer days, retire later, and take fewer vacations. In 2018, the average American earned about 24 days of paid time off but used only 17 days of that time.
Maybe you fear losing your job or seeming to lack commitment. Maybe you don’t want to come back to a huge backlog of projects and chores. Maybe it’s guilt.
But there are good physical and psychological reasons for sticking to your vacation plans. People just aren’t wired to be productive 365 days a year. People who take regular vacations feel less stress, have a lower risk of heart disease, are more optimistic about life, and are more motivated to achieve their goals.
1. Reduce Stress
Vacations reduce stress. Our intuition on this point is confirmed by research. And lower stress improves blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other aspects of our health. One study showed that taking just four days off from work can reduce your stress. The benefit increases if you vacation for eight days or more.
2. Improve Heart Health
Both men and women who are loathe to take a break are more likely to suffer a heart attack or coronary death than those of us who do take vacations. The more regularly you vacation, the less likely you are to suffer from metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by various conditions that put people at higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
3. Improve Brain Function
Travel exposes you to how people live in other countries. Immersing yourself in another culture can not only help you feel refreshed and recharged; it can also give you a new perspective on life. Additionally, taking a vacation is proven to improve brain function by encouraging the growth of new connections in your brain called dendrites.
4. Improve Mood
Yes, you can buy a ticket to a better mood. Getting away from your routine for a while can lift your spirits. One study shows that during popular vacation periods, people in Sweden cut back on their consumption of antidepressants.
5. Increase Mindfulness
Traveling to a new land can help you be more present, resilient, and compassionate. The surroundings are new to you, so you’re more tuned in and attentive.
6. Improve Job Performance
When you’re weary, overworked, and overwhelmed, it’s harder to throw yourself into your job and give it 110 percent. If you feel less stress and enjoy greater mental acuity thanks to a charming and relaxing vacation, you are less likely to burn out and more likely to be productive. After lolling on the beach for a few days, you can return to the office rejuvenated and raring to go.
7. Strengthen Family Bonds
You tend to remember the moments of connection and togetherness with your family and your kids. You remember feelings of security, safety, and happiness. Those moments are easy to come by during a family vacation, harder when you’re in the office, slogging away at your daily routine. Going on vacation can help you to better appreciate your family and all the good things in your life.
Even Planning a Vacation Can Make You Happier
Anticipating a vacation is half the fun, or at least two-fifths. And most of the time, you can sustain the good feeling even after you get back home.
So try something new that is good for your mind, body, and spirit. We can help you plan your vacation and to have a good time while you are here with us in Montego Bay. During your stay, you have exclusive use of the villa and all of its amenities. As Coconut Cottage guests, you and your fellow travelers will also enjoy complimentary beach membership and access to the amenities at the Round Hill Resort.
Ready for a luxurious Montego Bay adventure? Make a reservation or contact us with any questions you may have about the property, amenities, and add-on services.