If you follow me on social media, you have probably noticed how much traveling I have been doing this year. Being on the road, exploring and discovering – this ignites my soul in a way that I can’t even express into simple words. Just this year alone, I have been on-the-go in bustling cities, I have ventured home to experience the comforts of family and my old stomping grounds, I have hosted and experienced retreats in the forest of Northern California, amongst the mighty sequoias and at an ashram in the desert and I visited a bison ranch run by an inspiring family, following traditional and sustainable practices. However, one of the most relaxing trips I have taken this year, was the luxury and rejuvenation I experienced in Loreto, Mexico, in the Baja California Sur. {You can read a bit about this incredible trip and the delicious food, here}
In the Indian culture there is a tradition of taking retreats to rejuvenate and revitalize the body, mind, and spirit. This is time away from work and responsibilities to focus on the self, to gather strength and wisdom so that we can return to society with new energy and enthusiasm. Yet here in the west we rarely allow ourselves such a luxury. We work too hard, too much, and don’t allow enough time in the day for contemplation, let alone an entire day to devote to our spiritual growth. And we feel it – maybe over time it happens so gradually that we get used to the sluggishness and struggle – but that’s not the way life is supposed to be.
Taking vacations can improve health in several measurable ways. So let’s chat about the Benefits of Travel.
The personal benefits of travel are everywhere! According to the US Travel Association, here are some of the statistics:
- An annual vacation can cut a person’s risk of heart attack by 50%.
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of epinephrine – a stress hormone – decline on holidays of only one or two days.
- Travelers rate their overall health one full point higher (on a scale of 1-5) while on vacation. They also get three times more deep sleep after their vacation and sleep almost 20 minutes longer after their vacation.
- Life satisfaction increases during vacation and these effects continue after returning home, according to a study at the University of Tennessee.
- Vacations lift depression and heal emotions.
- Three out of four executives believe that vacations are necessary to prevent burnout, and that vacations improve job performance.
- According to one study more than one third of small business owners say their best ideas, the ones that lead to business growth, come not at work but during their downtime.
- Studies show that recuperation and improvement from exhaustion are facilitated by: free time to one’s self, sunny and warm vacation locations, exercise during vacation, good sleep, and making new acquaintances.
So if those aren’t reasons enough to come away with me to the beautiful Islands of Loreto, Mexico this coming February, for our Wonderful Wellness Retreat, how about this:
- A gorgeous five star beach front resort with gourmet vegan and gluten free foods
- Daily classes in yoga and vedic arts
- An amazing, personalized spa experience
- A once-in-a lifetime, up close and personal whale watching opportunity
The best part? One low price covers EVERYTHING! Flight from Los Angeles, hotel, meals, classes, spa and excursions.
Early bird discounts for the Wonderful Wellness Retreat end October 31, and spaces are limited! Sign up now, you’ll be glad you did!
One Response
This looks amazing Beth, I hope you’re having so much fun! It’s interesting those benefits of vacation, I find I get a lot of creative ideas on my downtime.