Taking a vacation might protect your heart

Can taking a vacation lower your risk of heart disease? In a study published in the journal Psychology & Health, researchers at Syracuse's Falk College Department of Public Health analyzed 60 working adults who all had a vacation planned in the upcoming months. They did bloodwork and looked at other indicators of cardiovascular health. The people who took more vacations over the preceding year tended to have a lower number of metabolic symptoms, like high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and obesity. So if you go on more vacations, it might protect your heart. It's still unknown what specifically it is about vacations that might be protective. Vacations might be a type of recovery behavior, like exercise, a hobby, or spending time with your family, that helps you relax, feel good, and detach from work.