Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

What could be better?  Something that is fun AND good for you.

This is especially true if you travel and get out of your usual environment.  But if you aren’t able to take the time or afford to get away, think about how you can apply some of these ideas to being a tourist in your own city or taking a long weekend close to home.

Here are some of the ways that taking a vacation and getting out of your regular routine can be a benefit to your health.

Overall Health Benefits

According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, it shows those who engage in leisure activities and out of town vacations experience less depression, lower blood pressure, and lower levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone.

Reduces Stress

The 1^st couple of days of a vacation help to reduce stress.  On about the 3^rd or 4^th day, your mind and body start to replenish.

It takes a little time to just unwind.  It’s important to get away from the usual routines, chores, and sometimes anxiety that accompany a busy schedule.

Gives you Time to Day Dream

Getting away can allow your mind to explore and dream.  It gives you space to be in that all important relaxed state of mind.

Boosts Creativity

When you are in a different environment, you see things differently.  You notice things you wouldn’t in your usual routines and places you take for granted.

Seeing new things stimulates creativity and gives you a new perspective.

Can Increase Exercise

Of course, this depends on the type of vacation you choose.  But, often, you’ll do more walking than you usually do.

Or you may find ways to add activities to your get away like renting a bike or skiing.

Challenge Yourself Mentally

I know it’s always a challenge for me to figure out where we are going and how to get there.  You have to figure out how to navigate your way and sometimes how to do things.

Adds a little Merriment

You’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine.  And often traveling and going on vacation can bring some fun and laughter to your day.

So, now that you know it’s good for you, where do you want to go?

Elephant and Daisy

Last night, a few of my friends from our book group went to see the movie, Water for Elephants.  It was great!

My book group read the book by Sara Gruen a few years ago and loved it.

It is the story about a young man who is a Veterinarian and due to an unexpected tragedy, finds himself hopping on a circus train that forever changes the trajectory of his life.  Most of the story takes place in the 1930’s during the depression.

It is a wonderful character study, a love story, and a fascinating tale of Jacob Jankowski’s life with the circus.

I highly recommend both the book and the movie!

P.S. I was looking for an image to use for this post and remembered my painting of Elephant and Daisy.  This was created from a picture I took of one of the elephants at the Denver zoo.

Sunset-in-La-Jolla, California

My husband and I went on a wonderful 3 day weekend in La Jolla, California.

It was a fun and relaxing trip.  One of the best parts is it was my husband’s idea and he made all the arrangements!

It is such a treat to see everything green and blooming when we still have a month or two before we’ll see any leaves on the trees in Colorado.

We saw some beautiful scenery; sea lions, black porpoises, gorgeous flowers and gardens, palm trees and sunsets.

Thought I’d share a few pictures with you.

Greg-in-front-of-whale-fountain-at-aquarium-La-Jolla

My husband, Greg in front of the Birch Aquarium at Scripps whale fountain.  This is a wonderful aquarium.

aquarium at la jolla

Sally-Japanese-Gardens-Balboa-park-San-Diego

Sally at the Japanese Gardens in beautiful Balboa Park, San Diego

Look I match my green setting!