Sun, sea and sand. It sounds like bliss doesn't it. Not only do you get a healthy glow off holiday, feel great whilst your there, you also reap the health benefits for months too.
Get your summer holiday booked and have something to look forward too
The new research found that your break will cut your blood pressure, help you sleep better and bounce back from stress.
The study looked at the health of holidaymakers who visited Thailand, Peru and the Maldives and compared it to people who stayed at home working.
It found that the health benefits of a holiday last at least a fortnight longer than the holiday itself and in some cases the benefits were felt for months.
Blood pressure, sleep quality and stress levels were all positively affected for those who went abroad.
The Holiday Health Experiment was conducted by tour operator Kuoni and Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity.
Psychotherapist Christine Webber, who carried out the testing, told the Mail Online blood pressure reductions are important to reduce the chances of stroke and heart attacks, while better sleep is good for the immune system.
She said: "It’s apparent from our results that the majority of people feel happier, more rested and much less stressed because of their vacations.
"But, even more importantly, I have discovered that these benefits continue well past the vacation - in fact, for months afterwards.
"I have also noted with interest that you don’t need to lie on a beach to relax. In the experiment, the couple who went on the busiest holiday had the most long-lasting reduction in stress."
Dr Lucy Goundry, Nuffield Health, Medical Director, also told the Mail Online: "For the first time, our clinical results show how holidays helped these couples reduce their blood pressure, improve their sleep and manage their stress levels better.
"These results clearly demonstrate that on holiday our ability to physically cope with stress improves.
"As many as a third of workers do not take their full holiday entitlement each year - I urge everyone to ensure they plan their holidays carefully. Working hard is important but so is taking time to rest and recuperate."
Tagged in Health Stress Sleep blood pressure