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
"Yellow Devil" Fruit CRUSHES Blood Pressure Better Than Meds
I have a confession to make. I hate bananas. Even the smell of them causes my stomach to flip. The funny thing is that I have an uncle and a daughter who are the same—so I wonder if it’s genetic. But even though I consider them the yellow devil of the fruit world, I recommend...
50-Cent Nutrient Puts the Brakes on Aging
Scientists discovered a remarkable “anti-aging” solution hiding in plain sight. It isn’t some exotic compound from a remote rainforest or an expensive laboratory creation. It’s a nutrient you can find at any pharmacy for less than the cost of a cup of coffee. The trouble is, most seniors aren’t getting enough of it, which researchers...
The Hidden Brain Risk Lurking in Your Living Room
If you’re reading this while settled into your favorite chair, you might want to consider standing up… New research uncovered something that might surprise you. Sitting too much can literally shrink your brain. But it gets worse… We all know being sedentary isn’t good for our health. However, researchers at Vanderbilt University uncovered something alarming....
“Biohack” Your Life Like a Billionaire?! Here’s How
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the billionaire who spent millions on “biohacking” to try to make himself younger. He measures hundreds of biomarkers and pops dozens of pills daily. And he’s undergoing experimental treatments that cost more than most folks’ houses. It may have left you wondering if regular people like you and I...
Do THIS Daily to Improve Strength, Flexibility, and Endurance
For any couch potatoes out there… I have some exciting news. If you’ve been avoiding exercise because you hate the gym or don’t have the time, that might be about to change. A groundbreaking study reveals how a few simple moves, done daily in your own home, could dramatically improve your fitness—even if you’ve skipped...
Mailbag: A Post-Prostate Cancer Blueprint for a Better Recovery
“My son just got his prostate removed because of cancer. He is doing well and recovering. My question is there any information you can forward with regards to his lifestyle? Are there things he should not eat, things he should be eating, is social drinking a risk, any vitamins that should be on his list?...
The Stroke-Boosting Threat Lurking in YOUR Arteries
We want to take a moment on this Memorial Day to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten, and their legacy lives on in the country they helped preserve. I’ve warned you...
20-Minute AM Hack Will Revolutionize How You Wake Up
If you feel like you’re in a fog for the first hour after your alarm goes off, you’re not alone. Mornings can be rough. That groggy, disoriented feeling isn’t just annoying—it’s a real physiological phenomenon called “sleep inertia.” And it can drag on for up to two hours after waking, even if you’ve had a...
Weekly Habit QUINTUPLES Your Cancer Risk
Everyone knows that sugar-sweetened sodas aren’t going to win any nutrition awards. That’s not news. But now, a disturbing new study suggests these soft drinks hide a deadly secret. A regular soda habit could do far more damage than just expand your waistline or raise your diabetes risk. The new research reveals these sugary treats...
Unlikely Duo Naturally SLASHES High Blood Pressure
Some things just naturally belong together—such as peanut butter and jelly, salsa and chips, or two peas in a pod. But there’s an unlikely pair that researchers say could do wonders for your heart health. A comprehensive new study from the University of Surrey has revealed that compounds found naturally in tea and chocolate can...