Hope everyone is enjoying a bit of down time this summer. During the fall and winter months we seem to get caught up in a whirlwind of activity: getting the kids to school, arranging private enrichment lessons, going to ball games & practices, grocery shopping, church activities, club meetings and oh yeah, I almost forgot, doing an outstanding job in the work place! This summer, even though the kids may have a few organized activities or camps, hopefully you are a bit more relaxed and your life less chaotic. Summer is a great time to spend quality time with your family. You could go for a hike, take a nature walk, organize a bicycle ride, plan a picnic, go swimming or fishing. Another idea is to plant a vegetable or flower garden. Putting your hands in the soil and getting dirty can be a great opportunity to bond with the family. Plus you have the added bonus of enjoying the beauty of something you created and reap the benefits of fresh produce. Vacation time should be a heart healthy endeavor. Take the time to relax and enjoy.
There are some often under-appreciated benefits of vacation. It can:
- promote creativity
- staves off burnout
- lower your blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones
- promote overall well-being
- strengthen bonds within the family
- relieve stress
Taking a break from your normal routine can have a long-lasting positive impact on you. You don’t need to plan an expensive get-a-way to reap these benefits. Be creative, relax, enjoy the day, spend time with those you love and be happy.
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