Mental Health

3 Evidence Based Reasons to Exercise on Vacation

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You’ve booked your vacation, awesome! Plane tickets, passport, wallet, check! Bathing suit, sunblock, sunglasses, check! Workout clothes…check???

Most people think of vacation as a way to escape their day to day stressors.  Traffic, bills, meetings, and all of the harsh realities that make us adults.  That’s great!  Take advantage of having no responsibilities while on vacation, that’s what it’s for!  Go see the world, relax on the beach, have a cocktail!

I also know, most people fall completely off the exercise wagon while on vacation.  I used to be that way too.  Of course, the last thing you want to think about is packing more clothes and worrying about where the nearest gym is.

I had this conversation recently with my partner while on vacation.  We woke up an hour earlier than we needed to just to fit in a workout!  We both agreed that we needed exercise to enjoy our vacation to the fullest.  Here are 3 reasons why you should continue to exercise while on vacation.

INCREASED HAPPINESS

Why do you exercise? For many people, the reason is because it helps them stay healthy and it helps them FEEL GOOD.  For others, it could be to look good naked, be able to play with their children, or to prevent predisposed genetic medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

Whatever your reasons, chances are you are also benefiting from the many hormones that help improve your mood.  According to the American Psychological Association, the positive effects of exercise on improved mood is well documented. “The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong,” says Michael Otto, PhD, a professor of psychology at Boston University. “Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect.”

Let’s talk about the main mood enhancing benefit of exercise, endorphins.  When you exercise, your body releases endorphins throughout your body.  Endorphins have a “morphine like” response; easing stress, pain, and having a euphoric effect.  Why wouldn’t you want this on vacation?!  At bare minimum, you’ll be in a happier mood for those you are traveling with and be able to enjoy your vacation more.

INCREASED APPETITE

It’s clear that when you exercise, you burn more calories.  When you burn more calories, you become hungrier.  Duh!

My point is this, we all LOVE to eat when we are on vacation!  Especially when you are in an exotic area or a destination that is known for their amazing food.  You want to enjoy that as much as possible!  Guilt free!  Utilize exercise while on vacation to facilitate a healthier appetite!

INCREASED SEX DRIVE

Tons of research backs up the positive effects of sex drive when exercising regularly.  Why stop while on vacation?  ESPECIALLY those who are traveling with a romantic partner!

You are on vacation, away from all the stress and day to day grind.  What better way to reconnect with your lover than sexual intimacy?  Exercise will help tremendously with sex drive and more intense orgasms.  Don’t miss this opportunity by slacking on your exercise!

TEETH BRUSHING ANALOGY

Finally, think of exercise as part of your daily routine that you know will keep you healthy. View it just like brushing your teeth, taking a shower, and putting on deodorant.

I often hear, “No way am I working out, I’m on vacation!”  Would you stop brushing your teeth just because you’re on vacation? No! Why? One, it’s gross. Two, it’s not healthy for you!  So why stop giving your body what it needs while on vacation? Now get out there and book a vacation, and remember to pack your gym bag!

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