Mailbag: Harness the HEALING Power of Vacation
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 15, 2023
“Do you have a favorite vacation spot?”
– Hannah from Milwaukee, WI
Hi Hannah,
I’m glad you asked this because taking a trip can improve your health and well-being in many ways.
A vacation does WONDERS for your mental health. It gives you a break from your daily routine so you can rest and unwind. And stepping away from work or other responsibilities reduces stress, lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, and makes you feel more relaxed.
Plus, when vacationing, we tend to be more active. Instead of spending hours parked on the couch in front of the boob tube or chained to a desk, we’re out and about.
Activities like walking, hiking, swimming, or playing sports for fun are all often on the menu. And all that exercise is FANTASTIC for your heart and mental health.
In fact, research shows folks who vacation more often have LOWER heart disease risk factors. (Talk about an enjoyable way to fight off heart problems!)
Vacations are EVEN good for our relationships. A holiday with the folks you care about strengthens your bonds and leads to even greater happiness.
My favorite vacation is to strap on a backpack and head into the woods.
I like to hike alone or with friends and family. And I really enjoy being in wild spaces where you only have to worry about getting water and finding a place to pitch your tent.
Plus, the benefits of the clean air, sun exposure, and exercise are priceless.
As far as specific vacation spots go, Monterey, California, holds a special place in my heart. I like the cooler ocean and the environment in that area. And it’s quiet and peaceful, despite being close to San Francisco and San Jose.
Feeling stressed, burned out, or generally blah? I prescribe a vacation…. and then DON’T call me in the morning (because you won’t need to).
P.S. Not sure WHERE to go on vacation? Pick a spot that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Nature is healing. Plus, it could literally keep you out of the hospital.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Eyes Unlock Dementia Secrets a DECADE Early
The eyes are the window to the soul. We all know the old saying, of course. Its precise origins are unclear (it’s been attributed to the Bible, William Shakespeare, and Leonardo Da Vinci), but we know it’s true. After all, our eyes DO have a way of exposing our feelings. However, it’s not just emotions...
End the Afternoon Slump with THIS Evening Trick
We often joke about the afternoon slump and drifting off in our easy chairs. But the reality is when that fatigue keeps you from doing the things you love (or need) to do, your quality of life takes a serious hit. Take napping, for example. A daytime nap can be a refreshing luxury when you...
Confused About Protein Powders? Read This
So, you’re interested in trying protein powders. You may be planning on making breakfast smoothies with one. Or perhaps you’ll use it as an afternoon pick-me-up instead. A high-protein drink can be a great way to start the day because it helps you stay full far longer than a sugary bowl of cereal or a...
You CAN Develop a Happiness Habit [Here’s How...]
Life can be a total dumpster fire sometimes. We’ve all been there. Losing friends, arguing with family, and don’t even get me started on the whole money situation. Life’s challenging moments are enough to make anyone want to curl up into a ball and binge-watch Netflix for eternity. But wait, there’s a plot twist! Apparently,...
Mailbag: You CAN Avoid Diabetes Medications (Here’s How...)
“I’ve recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My doctor mentioned that I might need to start taking medication. Is there anything else I can do to manage my sugars before taking drugs?” – Nick Hi Nick, I’ve got good news! Type 2 diabetes is highly preventable and reversible with some extra effort on your...
“Osteoporosis Proof” Your Bones with a Breakfast Staple
Everything from ad campaigns to our doctors’ praise has given milk an unbeatable bone-building halo. For years, it’s been drummed into us. Milk is the ultimate key to strong bones. But IS dairy as good as it gets when it comes to protecting our bones? Don’t get me wrong—I AM a fat of full-fat dairy....
Delicious Drink SLASHES Bowel Cancer Risk
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of beating cancer. You’re on top of the world. After all, you’ve literally escaped death, and you have the endorphins surging through your body to prove it. But after that initial high, worry can start to sneak in because remission comes with a new risk—recurrence. With bowel cancer, the...
The Tiny Green Secret to a SHARPER Brain
We all want to keep our brains functioning at their absolute best for as long as possible. In fact, I bet you’re already doing some of the usual brain-supporting things like taking supplements, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and trying to keep stress levels in check. However, you can add one more thing to your...
Is Your Bathroom Hiding a Dirty Secret?
Let’s talk about your bathroom. You probably spend a good chunk of your day there, from your morning routine to your evening wind-down. But how clean do you really keep it? Maybe you’re a neat freak, scrubbing every surface until it sparkles. Or perhaps you’re more of a “clean enough” type, giving things a quick...
Key Facts to Consider BEFORE Trying Marijuana
Lately, I’ve had a lot of people ask me if marijuana is safe, and my answer always is, “It depends…” You may have lived through the wild days of the 60s and 70s and even experimented with a little weed back then. But the marijuana of today is NOT the same mellow grass you remember....