Page 112 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2023

HEALTHY LIVING
THE SCIENCE OF
RESTFULNESS
story by Lynn Lofton
Time for restfulness should be planned just as a work schedule is planned whether that’s a trip to a far away place or a staycation at home, according to Memorial Health System Clinical Psychologist Dr. Dorothy Dickson-Rishel.
“The research on the importance of vacation time is clear. Recent studies have demonstrated that taking regular vacations appears to reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome (the cluster of health conditions including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight problems) and associated issues such as heart disease and diabetes,” she said. “Work breaks also seem to offer some protection and recovery from emotional distress. It seems that people who take more vacations may live longer and happier.”
Extended breaks seem to reduce chronically high levels of
stress hormones and help restore balance. Also, time off tends to immerse us in more healthy habits such as being present in the moment, spending time in nature, socializing with friends and family, exercising, or engaging in other mindfulness or joy-filled activities.
“On vacations, we are often removed from the people, routines, and situations that may
be contributing to anxiety, worry, and frustration,” Dickson-Rishel said. “And
time off seems to improve sleep substantially. These are just some of
the aspects we can measure.
“We all know subjectively we often feel rejuvenated and
renewed and in better relationships with those we value most.” Some people are workaholics and think they can’t take time off. To them, Dr. Dickson-Rishel says, “Working to excess, similar to
other excessive behaviors and substance use, can be damaging to our bodies, minds, and souls. Our brains need rest just as our muscles do for the best function and focus.”
Vacation time can boost creativity, cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and productivity after the return, but unplugging, disconnecting, de-screening, and re-focusing on the people, places, and changes that a vacation offers will yield the best results, she warns.
“Whether traveling or staycationing, a jam-packed itinerary can sabotage the process,” the doctor says. “Recommendations
would be to include wandering and pondering time as well as actual physical rest. Mini-vacations of
three or four days have been shown to be as effective as longer vacations if activities
that change the routine and engage in different behaviors are employed.”
112 | July 2023