Are you one of the 75% of people who experience high levels of stress at least once a month? An unsurprising statistic that demonstrates how stressed out the nation has become, while some stress is good for you, too much can have a seriously detrimental effect on both your mind and body.
Fortunately, vacations are highly effective at combatting stress, especially wellness vacations that are designed to help you relax, de-stress, and improve your overall health and well-being.
Here are five self-care vacation ideas for the super-stressed that promise to wash away your cares and worries, leaving you feeling light and fully rejuvenated.
1. Beach vacations
For those who love to feel the sand in between their toes and hear the waves lapping at the shore, a beach vacation is the perfect stress-buster. Research shows that being close to the ocean can have therapeutic benefits and can actively help to reduce your stress levels.
Whether you want to stay close to home and enjoy the coast in the United States or you prefer to go further afield to the Caribbean or somewhere in Europe, there are so many amazing beach vacation destinations to choose from.
2. Sailing vacations
Sailing is one of the most peaceful and relaxing pastimes, so what better way to reduce your stress levels than by booking a sailing vacation?
Choose to explore South of France yacht charters and enjoy fresh produce, local wines, and an abundance of culture, or head to the British Virgin Islands where you can take part in a variety of exhilarating water sports or simply watch the world go by on your own private yacht.
3. Spa vacations
Spa vacations are created with relaxation in mind, making them ideal for anyone who experiences a lot of stress in their everyday lives. Offering you the chance to indulge in a massage, soothe your aching limbs in a jacuzzi, and sweat it out in a sauna, you’re guaranteed to leave a spa break feeling like a completely new person.
Furthermore, regular spa treatments have been shown to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, and massage therapy, in particular, can combat inflammation, which is a common side effect of too much stress.
4. Yoga retreat vacations
If you like to stay active when on vacation, you may want to think about booking a yoga retreat. Often located in rural areas, these types of retreats are designed to help connect your body, mind, and soul.
Typically, a yoga retreat vacation includes features such as yoga classes, Pilates, and other meditative physical activities that are known for combatting stress.
5. Animal therapy vacations
Animal therapy vacations such as farm stays are bang on trend at the moment, with people seeking out ways to reconnect with nature and feel more grounded. One of the most popular types of animal therapy vacations are farm stays, which are often family-run and offer you the opportunity to work with animals and support the food chain.
Spending time with animals has been proven to have a healing effect on both the mind and body, making it a great choice for people who are stressed out.
