If you ever needed a good excuse for a break, this is it. A study has shown that taking mother-daughter holidays is good for your health.
Calling all mothers and daughters across Ireland! If you haven't taken a trip together, now is the time to book a break because a recent study suggests taking a mother-daughter holiday at least once a year has proven to be good for your health.
Yes, you read that right. It's time to book a vacay with your nearest and dearest as it can lower your stress levels while also decreasing the risk of heart disease.
We already know that a mother-daughter bond is unbreakable but who knew a good relationship with mama could have such a positive impact on both your overall mental and general health?
The study conducted by Harvard Medical School which examined data from more than 309,000 people showed taking mother-daughter trips every so often shows similar health benefits to that of a full night’s sleep and a healthy diet.
It found that there was an increased risk of premature death from all causes by 50% if there was a lack of strong relationships in your life - almost comparable to those who smoke 15 cigarettes a day.
With that in mind, the new research prompts us to slow down as we come together and to strengthen ties during the festive season.
"Around the holidays, it's easy to get caught up in the whirl of social activities and perhaps lose track of their deeper purpose: providing an opportunity for people to come together," it said.
"Of course, not all forms of holiday conviviality are health-promoting — eating or drinking excessively, for example. Likewise, social contacts don't uniformly enhance our well-being."
"So, during this busy season, take time to foster your most meaningful relationships. Choose activities that are most likely to bring joy to you and the people you care about."
"Delegate or discard tasks that eat into your time, or do them together with family or friends. And if you can't get together with everyone you'd like, make plans to see them post-holiday," it concluded.
So if you have a relative you haven’t seen in a while, it may be good to reconnect with them again or book that much needed and long overdue break with your mama.
So what are you waiting for?
If anyone needs me I'll be planning my next getaway with mother dearest, that woman deserves a whole month away having to put up with me and all my kid's shenanigans over the years. She's a legend!
