According to research out of Harvard Medical School, going away with a loved one at least once a year can help reduce stress, improve immune responses and decrease your chance of developing heart disease. In fact, this quality time can be just as beneficial for the body as a full night’s sleep and a balanced diet.
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No annual leave left? No stress. A Harvard Health newsletter reports that regular catch-ups and connections closer to home (e.g. family gatherings, getting together with friends or participating in community and workplace events) can also boost health and longevity. This backs up previous studies that show people who have social support from family, friends and their community are happier and experience fewer medical problems in the long-run.
On the flip-side, researchers have linked a lack of positive social ties to depression and premature death. One study, which examined data from more than 309,000 people, found that having few strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50 per cent — greater than the toll obesity and physical inactivity has on mortality and the rough equivalent of smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.
So there you have it, an official reason to hit up Skyscanner’s sale fares. Your relationship with your mum - and health – will thank you for it later.
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