7 Health Benefits of Taking a Vacation (Even in the Dead of Winter)

Kevin Emsley
Jan 13
5 min read

Winter got you feeling blah? You're not alone. During these bitter cold months, many of us find ourselves battling fatigue, irritability, low productivity, and that general uninspired feeling that seems to settle in like unwelcome house guests.

Here's the thing though – those symptoms might be your body's way of telling you it's time for a vacation. And before you roll your eyes thinking "easier said than done," hear us out. Taking time away doesn't have to mean jetting off to the Caribbean (though we're not knocking that either).

Consider local vacationing as a form of self-care. Research has proven it can improve both your mental and physical health in ways that might surprise you. While we get that not everyone can afford a big trip or extended time away, if you can swing even a short getaway, your mind and body will thank you., and this is why Forest Lane Domes exists!

For more information about creating your own restorative winter getaway, explore our unique dome experiences.

The Science Behind Vacation Benefits

Studies consistently show that taking time away from work and everyday stress delivers real, measurable health benefits. We're talking about:

Lower stress levels
Reduced risk of heart disease
Better outlook on life
More motivation to achieve your goals

Still need convincing? Let's dive into seven specific ways a winter vacation can boost your wellbeing.

1. Improved Physical Health

Here's a stat that might shock you: stress contributes to heart disease and high blood pressure. For both men and women, studies show that taking a vacation every two years (compared to every six years) significantly lessens the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks.

When you travel – even if it's just a few hours away – you naturally encourage healthier habits. You're more likely to walk around, try new foods, and engage in social interactions. Some research even suggests vacations may reduce your risk of premature aging. And hey, living longer means more time for future vacations, right?

Winter vacations pack an extra punch here. Brief exposure to cold temperatures during outdoor activities can actually enhance white blood cell production, helping your body fight off those nasty winter bugs. Fresh air and physical activities like snowshoeing or simply walking around a new place give your cardiovascular system a healthy workout.

2. Enhanced Mental Health

The University of Pittsburgh's Mind-Body Center found something pretty amazing: vacations increase pleasant emotions while reducing depression. Makes sense when you think about it – when's the last time you felt depressed while sipping hot cocoa by a fire pit?

Winter vacations provide greater opportunities to experience moments of awe. Whether you're watching snow fall through the transparent ceiling of a geodesic dome or seeing your breath create little clouds in the crisp air, these moments generate a genuine mood boost.

Plus, just knowing you have a vacation – or even a break – coming up makes it easier to push through those stressful, mundane days. It's like having a light at the end of the tunnel, except the light is a cozy retreat where someone else makes the coffee.

3. Greater Overall Wellbeing

One fascinating study found that just three days after vacation, people's physical complaints, quality of sleep, and mood had improved compared to before their trip. Even better? These gains stuck around for five weeks, especially for folks who prioritized personal time and engaged in activities they genuinely enjoyed.

This suggests you have more control over how you feel than you might think. Schedule personal time during your getaway, do things that make you happy, and you'll likely feel better physically, sleep better, and maintain a better mood for over a month. That's some serious return on investment.

Winter getaways are particularly powerful for improving sleep quality. Outdoor activities and exposure to natural light help regulate melatonin levels and normalize your sleep cycle. Physical activities naturally tire your body, making it easier to fall asleep at night – especially when you're tucked into a comfortable dome surrounded by peaceful forest sounds.

4. Increased Mental Motivation

Chronic stress can seriously mess with your brain. It makes certain tasks feel impossible and can cause memory problems that leave you wondering where you put your keys (again).

Taking time off is like getting a tune-up for your brain. It improves your mental health and cognition, essentially hitting the reset button on your thinking. When you come back, you'll likely find yourself more creative and productive than your overworked, under-rested colleagues.

Winter challenges during vacation – whether it's navigating snowy terrain or trying a new outdoor activity – actually foster problem-solving skills and boost confidence. Learning new skills and gaining hard-won experiences during your getaway contributes to long-term mental resilience.

5. Improved Family Relationships

Here's something interesting: one study found that couples who participated in challenging, exciting activities during vacation experienced greater relationship intimacy and satisfaction even after returning home and resuming normal routines.

Vacations create space for connections that daily life often crowds out. Siblings connect differently when they're not rushing between work and obligations. Parents and kids actually talk to each other without the distraction of household chores and homework deadlines.

Winter getaways can be particularly bonding. There's something about cozying up together by the fire when it's cold outside, and sharing hot drinks, or navigate a new experience that brings people closer.

6. Reduced Burnout

Employees who take regular time to relax are significantly less likely to experience burnout. They're more creative, more productive, and generally more pleasant to be around than their perpetually exhausted counterparts.

Think about it – when was the last time you had your best idea while staring at your computer screen during hour nine of a workday? Probably never. Great ideas tend to hit when your mind is relaxed and wandering, which happens naturally during vacation.

Even a short winter retreat can provide the mental space you need to gain perspective on work challenges and return with fresh solutions.

7. Boosted Happiness (Before, During, and After)

Here's the really cool part: research shows that even planning a vacation boosts your happiness. Some people experience elevated moods up to eight weeks before their trip, and the good feelings can linger for weeks after returning home.

Winter vacations offer unique opportunities for awe-inspiring moments. Experiencing natural winter beauty – whether it's frost patterns on windows, snow-covered trees, or star-filled skies unpolluted by city lights – is linked to increased resilience in facing life's everyday challenges.

To maximize these benefits, start planning, shopping, packing, and daydreaming months before your scheduled getaway. The anticipation is half the fun.

How Often Should You Take a Vacation?

Planning is key for a stress-free vacation. Ask yourself: How much stress are you under? What can you realistically afford? What's motivating your desire for time away?

Once you've answered those questions, you can determine when, where, and how you'll spend your vacation. But here's the important part – don't miss the opportunity. Hoarding paid time off isn't doing your physical and mental health any favors.

You don't need to travel far to reap these benefits. A staycation or short getaway close to home can provide many of the same advantages while supporting local businesses and reducing travel stress.

The Bottom Line

Take a vacation if you can, even if it's a local staycation. Time away from work stress and daily routines can improve your health, relationships, job performance, and overall perspective on life.

A well-timed winter retreat can help you feel refreshed and better prepared to handle whatever comes when you return. Whether you're escaping to a cozy dome in the forest or simply changing your routine for a few days, your future self will thank you for prioritizing this essential form of self-care.