Vacation for your health

I read a few years ago that men who take a full week long vacation each year have significantly less stress levels and lower risk for heart disease. I can't find that article now, and at the time I felt it was somewhat biased anyway. The reason being that men who take a full week off each year are probably more laid back and handle stress levels in a more healthy way already, if not they wouldn't take the time to carve out that time.

With that said, I do firmly believe taking time off to re-charge and relax is imperative for your mental and physical health as well as great for your family life. I don't know that the traditional week-long or multi-week vacation is still the best model to follow for everyone. I work in a commissioned sales position, so for me taking (2) weeks of would lead to at least (2) months with minimum income. (Talk about stressors!) So what I've started to is take some Fridays & Mondays off to create 4-day windows or 3-day windows of time to get away.

In my opinion the best most relaxing vacation would be to simply have a few days at home to re-charge and do the stuff you want to get done there but never have the time. Those vacations don't happen often, as there are always people to visit and places to go. Kids don't enjoy these "getaways" they tend to want entertainment; after all they are home all the time, especially in the summer.

I believe camping is a good alternative, as the kids get to explore nature in a way that most suburbanite kids do not in their daily lives. If you haven't gone hunting bugs or frogs since you were a kid or if you never did there is no time like the present to do so! Camping also gives a reprise from today's "plugged in" mentality, it's a chance (if you're willing to) for no internet, no phone, no twittering, no video games. Maybe take a book if you think there will be some downtime for entertainment, or some music.

Daytrips to museums or amusement parks are also great activities. Whatever you do seek to get away from the stressors in your life and re-charge. Rekindle your own childhood and enjoy yourself knowing your kids are making memories. I remember a commercial a featuring a young kid 5-6 who drew a family picture. Everyone was enjoying their Saturday; dad was drawn lying on the couch. Needless to say the point was for the Dad to start taking the latest wonder drug or wonder product for more energy at the time as I recall.

I don't think as Dads we need a wonder drug or wonder product, but I do think we need to invest time and energy not only in our families but an added bonus is the improved quality of life for ourselves.

Happiness is a decision, but you can improve your odds of making the correct decision with the conscious choices you make about your activities.