Five Reasons to Make Regular Vacations a Top New Year's Resolution

A prescription from the Diamond Resorts International® Vacation Doctor, Leigh Vinocur

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Dec 29, 2014, 10:05 ET

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season of resolutions and Diamond Resorts International^® Vacation Doctor Leigh Vinocur wants Americans to add a fun resolution to their lists. Take regular vacations! Dr. Vinocur has teamed up with Diamond Resorts International^® as they roll out their Stay Vacationed.™ awareness platform to educate consumers and employers about the documented benefits of regular vacations to health, productivity and relationships.

"I was drawn to Diamond Resorts because of the research they conducted with Nielsen Research that corroborates my already existing beliefs and observations," said Dr. Leigh Vinocur. "As an emergency room doctor, I see patients at a point where preventive treatment is no longer an option. Many of their health issues could be avoided by circumventing stress. And one of the biggest stressors in America is overwork. We do not take time for ourselves. Time that allows us to unwind and de-stress."

The Nielsen Research study commissioned by Diamond Resorts shows that vacations are linked to our health, happiness and productivity. However, more than 40 percent of Americans on average are leaving seven or more days of paid vacation on the table every year. The result is that as many as ONE billion vacation days go unused every year, and a workforce that is less productive, less satisfied in their jobs and relationships, and prone to stress-related illnesses such as high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease.

Dr. Vinocur's prescription to treat this long list of ailments? Take regular vacations. Following are some of the benefits of making regular vacations a New Year's resolution:

1. Regular Vacations can prevent a heart attack

It is well known that stress contributes to heart disease. Over time, chronic stress from the competing demands of your work, finances and home life takes its toll
Stress can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure, which can cause a heart attack
In addition, depression is also linked to heart disease and stress
Neuroscientists have found that the brain structure is actually altered by chronic exposure to the stress hormone cortisol, which can be a major contributing factor to anxiety and depression
According to the Nielsen Research Study (December 2013) over three-quarters of respondents reported feeling happier when they vacationed regularly

2. Regular Vacations can make you smarter

If you feel distracted and can't concentrate because of everyday stresses, you are not alone
Studies find that chronic stress can actually modulate a part of your brain that inhibits goal-directed activity and can cause problems with memory
This affects work performance, which in turn creates more stress in a vicious cycle
No wonder 71% of respondents in the same Nielsen Study were more satisfied at work when they regularly took a vacation

3. Regular Vacations can improve your sex life

The term "vacation sex" is a real phenomenon
Many lose interest in sex or have performance issues when worried about work and financial pressures
Chronic stress and higher cortisol levels are associated with lower sex hormone levels, such as testosterone, that contribute to loss of libido
80% of respondents in the Nielsen Study who were on vacation, or regularly took time to vacation, reported increased romance in their relationship, which translates into better sex!

4. Regular Vacations can make you thinner

For stress eaters, everyday stresses can make you fat. Science supports this.
Regular vacations can help. Over 75% of respondents in the Nielsen Study reported positive feelings and extreme happiness while on vacation
For stress eaters, this may break the overeating cycle

5. Regular Vacations are a necessity

The Nielsen Study found that planning and taking regular vacations helps 96% of Americans who "Stay Vacationed.™" enjoy and cherish the time you spend with your family
This New Year - change your family's dynamics
Make sure regular vacations are your #1 New Year's resolution!

About Diamond Resorts International®

Diamond Resorts International^®, with its network of more than 300 vacation destinations located in 33 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa, provides guests with choices and flexibility as they design their dream vacation, whether they're traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, with truly memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™

Diamond Resorts International^® manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life^® through 93 managed resorts, 210 affiliated properties and cruise itineraries. To learn more, visit www.diamondresorts.com.

Contact:
Liz Feldman
Hillman communications
(732) 387-0515
[email protected]

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SOURCE Diamond Resorts International