Vacation Time

Hi all,

It’s officially summertime!  As I look outside today and see the lovely Pacific Northwest rain, it doesn’t appear that it has arrived, but we all know better living in Washington.  Thank you to Dr. Scott for filling in for me while I took my vacation last week.  It was a great break to help get me reenergized.   I’m glad to be back to work and seeing our patients once again.
I figure there’s no better time than now to talk about the various health benefits to taking a vacation, and why you should make the time for one.  Note that there are MANY benefits, and this is just a short list:
1) Decreased stress:  In our office, we talk about the three pillars of stress (emotional, physical, and chemical).  Getting away from the daily grind is something that everyone needs every now and then and will help decrease stress levels.  People can use vacations as a long-term coping strategy for all those stressful times and having something to look forward to. 
2) Reduced risk of heart attack:  Currently the number one cause of deaths in the United States (2nd being cancer).  This is especially true for middle-aged males that already have a slightly higher risk than women of the same age.  There are many contributing factors to heart disease, but simply put: lowering stress can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
3) Combat depression: Perhaps this is especially true in the Pacific Northwest, because we are typically deficient in vitamin D from year round cloudy weather.  Assuming you travel to someplace sunny, you will likely get more vitamin D.  However, just getting away from those daily reminders and changing up your routine can be good for your health.
4) Increased productivity and lower burnout rate: You will likely return refreshed and be able to work harder.  Your employer will also benefit from this, which is why many employers offer time off for vacations.
It’s important to remember that traveling for vacations will no doubt cause a few aches and pains.  Mainly it’s from packing around luggage, sitting in a car or plane for hours, walking, and sleeping in a different bed.  When you return from vacation, you will likely be reenergized.  However, you may be a bit sore and ready for your next chiropractic adjustment.  Make sure to plan appropriately for your trip (rolling luggage, a good pair of shoes for walking and standing in lines, possibly your favorite pillow from home.  Before you leave and when you get back, make sure to schedule an appointment with us to get a boost in your nerve system.

Yours in health,

Dr. Bryan

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