For Better Health, Take a Vacation

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: June 17, 2014

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If you are like more than forty percent of American workers you have lost unused vacation time. This fact is more surprising when we take into account that workers in the United States generally receive about half the vacation days that workers in other countries receive. Sadly, we are the only developed country in the world with no legal requirement for paid vacation days or holidays. Twenty five percent of US workers get no paid vacation time at all.

With this as our legacy we may be inclined to think that vacation is not that important – certainly it does not seem to be a priority for employers. Last year, employers had to deal with 429 million unused vacation days left behind by their workers.

However, numerous studies show that not only does vacation time make us more productive during the hours we spend at work. According to Forbes, if employees would take one extra day of eligible leave the increase in productivity would mean $73 billion.

So if you won’t do it for yourself, do it for the good of the country – take some time off!

Here’s what it can do for you:

Potentially increase life expectancy. Vacations may help you live longer according to a study conducted by the State University of New York at Oswego. After surveying 12-thousand men ages 35 to 57, researchers concluded that men who vacation every year reduce their overall risk of death by 20 percent. Though this study was centered on men, it couldn’t hurt for women to take an overdue retreat, either.
Good for your heart. Vacationing at least two times a year, instead of every six years, could help reduce your risk of heart attack by 50 percent, according to the Framingham Heart Study findings.
Feel happier. According to Dutch scientists, the simple feeling of anticipation that accompanies future travel plans can increase happiness. What’s more, vacations and other leisure activities can lead to a more positive outlook and help lower levels of depression.
Refreshes your brain. Some experts believe vacationing benefits your brain, as the break from the hustle and bustle of daily life allows your brain cells time to properly refresh. Vacations allow your body and mind time for stress recovery and the process of psychophysiological unwinding. Some even say taking a vacation can help you come up with some of your best ideas while away from the office.
Increases productivity. Numerous studies on workers show that time off helps workers come back from vacation and be more productive. In addition to improving well-being, vacations may boost job performance.
Feel healthier. According to research published in the Journal of Occupational Health, some people feel healthier, happier and less-stressed while on vacation. They also felt more energized and were more satisfied with life in general.

So how does this help with your weight loss and weight control? Surely taking time for relaxing and is going to lead to weight gain.

Think of it this way. Making changes when you are already stuck in a routine can be very difficult. When you are sitting at a desk struggling to stay motivated through the afternoon, you are limited in the changes you can make that will benefit your health. Not so if you are on vacation clocking up ten miles on your pedometer sightseeing or actively trying new diversions such as hiking, swimming or even stand up paddle boarding.

You’ll feel better, find more energy, and be more motivated to improve your health when you return home. So take a fitness vacation and improve your health while you clear your head and make some positive changes. Doctor’s orders!

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you
And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best of the best - Dr. Z !!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Biltmore location is top notch! Everyone there is so very friendly, professional and makes the experience so personal and easy. Highly recommend!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This practice is everything you would want from a physician office. Professional and knowledgeable staff and caring providers 10 stars!!!!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 81 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC.

I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time.

6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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 105 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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