Newsflash: Vacations are GOOD for your Wellbeing

Vacations are Good for your Wellbeing
goodluz / 123RF Stock Photo Vacations are Good for your Wellbeing

When was the last time you went on a vacation?

In a Nutshell:  The Vacation Confidence Index, a study released by Allianz Global Assistance, showed that 51% of Americans haven’t had a vacation in more than a year. “Vacation Deficit Disorder,” the relationship between depression and the lack of a vacation, was identified through a clinically validated questionnaire to test likely levels of depression in a sampling of American travelers.

The study showed that almost one-third of Americans with a vacation deficit demonstrate symptoms of mild to moderate depression. 12 percent would be considered to be suffering signs of moderately severe to severe depression. And those identified as displaying signs of moderately severe or severe depression are significantly less likely to have taken a vacation in the past two years, and are less likely to take a vacation in 2018.

While we have long known that Americans under utilize their vacation time, this shows the real consequences this can have for their health and well-being,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “While this research shows a relationship between the lack of vacation and signs of clinical depression, more comprehensive work is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of not taking a vacation on the mental health of Americans.

The Study also showed that 51% of Americans haven’t had a vacation in more than a year, including four in ten who say it’s been more than two years.  Even the importance of taking a vacation has decreased from 65% in 2016 down to 58% in 2018. Of the 58% of Americans who say it’s important that they get a vacation each year, 67% are confident that they’ll get one.

The Vacation Confidence Index has been conducted each summer since 2010 by national polling firm Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Allianz Global Assistance USA. A vacation is defined as a leisure trip of at least a week to a place that is 100 miles or more from home.

What about you? When was the last time you took a vacation and are you planning to take one in the next year?

 

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More Reading:

Americans Experiencing A Vacation Deficit Are More Likely To Show Signs Of Moderate To Severe Depression

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About Donna Adinolfi 248 Articles
Donna Adinolfi is a wellness travel expert, a freelance writer, an award-winning photographer, and the founder/publisher of MindfulAdventures.com. Her 30+ year career includes serving as the Travel & Spa Editor of Balance Magazine as well as planning wellness travel & retreats. An avid fan of the freedom from carrying cash or credit cards, Donna loves to visit all-inclusive wellness resorts in the U.S, and traveling to some of Mexico's and the Caribbean's many all-inclusive resorts several times each year. She's also a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association.
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