Take time off: Give your heart and mind a break

Whether you head upta camp, spend a week at the beach, explore Baxter State Park or fly across the country, taking some time off might just make you healthier.

That’s because everyone needs a break. Even a little time away can have immediate benefits and without much effort, you can:

• Mental health: Reduce stress, improve your mood and spark creativity.
  
  
• Physical health: Lower your risk of heart disease, sleep better and boost your immune system.
  
  
• Emotional health: Reconnect with loved ones, prevent burnout and even feel just a little happier.

“Taking time to unplug and unwind simply helps you feel better,” says Lindsey Fiedler, wellness manager for Community Health Options. “Whether you plan a big trip or a staycation, stepping away from day-to-day routines gives your mind and body a chance to recharge. A good break works wonders for your well-being.”

On the flip side, slogging through without a break can do just the opposite. Every year, more than half of Americans give up paid time off—at a cost. Studies show that men who didn’t take vacations were 30% more likely to have a heart attack than those who took time off. And for women? They’re eight times more likely to develop heart problems.

You don’t need to break the bank

It doesn’t matter if you stay at home or travel. It’s all about how you use your time. A bucket list trip might give you some new ways to look at life and help to break your routine, but a staycation has just as many benefits, whether you’re sipping tea on your deck or taking day trips.

Need ideas that won’t empty your wallet? Here are a few ways to enjoy time off right here in Vacationland:

• Explore Maine’s state parks: There are 32 of them and you can do everything from relaxing on a beach to climbing Katahdin to canoeing the Allagash River. You can pick a goal—like hiking Maine’s waterfalls—or just choose a region to explore. If it’s wildlife you’re after, visit the Maine Wildlife Park, where you’ll find rescued animals like moose, bear and eagles in a safe setting the whole family can enjoy.
  
  
• Head to a festival or a fair: Maine knows how to throw a party. From summer through early fall, you’ll find fairs and festivals all over the state—everything from the Great State of Maine Air Show to hot air balloon festivals, art shows and free music, to events celebrating the local economy, like Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend. Need a place to start? Check out VisitMaine.com.
  
  
• Borrow free gear or find low-cost rentals: Want to try something new without buying tons of gear? Many Maine libraries and organizations offer free or low-cost gear lending—including kayaks and canoes, life jackets, bikes and camping equipment. You can also borrow museum passes, games or trail maps. For ideas, visit Maine GearShare, Untamed Mainer and Southern Maine on the Cheap for some ideas.

So, look at your calendar and start making plans for time off. Whether you want to stroll through a fairway munching on fried dough, doze in a hammock, paddle a lake or take in a sunrise at the beach, make your break exactly what you need to feel restored.

Have a question about Community Health Options? Or are you a Member with a question about your benefits? Our Maine-based Member Services team is here to help at (855) 624-6463 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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