A new study is showing the amazing benefits vacation can have on a person’s heart. Experts at Syracuse University note while many feel the positive affects of going on vacation, scientists do not understand all the reasons behind the health benefit.

Researchers developed a vacation assessment tool in 2019 to enhance current and future research. They studied the total amount of vacation episodes and the number of vacation days taken by people over a 12-month period. The tool looked at the rise or fall of metabolic syndrome during this period, looking at unobtrusive blood and physical measurements. In the study, metabolic syndrome is the collection of risk factors which determine the potential for developing cardiovascular disease.

Using your vacation days now can help prevent hospital stays later.

Results showed patients had a 24% decrease in the probability of suffering from metabolic syndrome if they took a vacation in the last 12 months. Each vacation episode led to an 8% decrease in risk. Patients who did not had a 46.7% increase of risk in developing metabolic syndrome. 

Researchers noted less than half of the 77% of the US workforce takes paid leave. 212 million vacation days are forfeited each year, and, despite the known benefits, mandatory leave is not required by law. Other research proved less vacation time now can have greater risks later in life.