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How Can Taking A Vacation in the Smokies Help You Live Longer?

Many families that vacation in the Smokies do so year after year. Little do these families know, however, that their annual vacation is actually helping them live longer. To find out how this is possible, keep on reading!

Lowers stress levels

According to many scientists, people who take the time to enjoy a vacation compared to those who stay home and work have a significant lower amount of stress. The reason behind this is simple. The individuals and families who go on vacation allow themselves to break away from the normal day-to-day activities that usually generate the highest levels of stress (i.e. work, school, etc.).

no stress symbolReduces Risk of Illness

To follow up on the previous point, individuals who have lower stress levels also have less strain on their immune system. In simple terms, their bodies are not as tired from trying to keep up with the worry and fatigue brought on by stress, so they are able to better fight off any viruses or pesky flu bug that comes their way.

Clears Your Mind

Can you just imagine it? You and your family are hiking through the scenic Smoky Mountains. The only thing that surrounds you are panoramic mountain views and birds chirping in the trees. If you are not a big hiker, than you can imagine you and your family enjoying your favorite roller coaster ride at Dollywood, or cheering on your favorite character at one of the many dinner shows in Pigeon Forge.

man on top of a mountainWhatever you imagine, keep in mind that these are moments of clarity. These are those special times when you are on a vacation in the Smokies where your mind isn’t hundreds of miles away worrying about a work deadline or an upcoming paper assignment.

These moments may not seem like much in terms of long term benefits, but it is thanks to them that when you return to work or school you are able to do so with a clear head. Because of these moments you are able to wipe away any negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.

Lowers Chance of Depression

While we are talking about happy moments and positive energy, it is important to point out how taking a vacation in the Smokies can also help lower a person’s chance of suffering from depression. Thanks to all the new positivity you are inviting into your life, you now have happy emotions instead of heavy negative ones.

Strengthens Relationships With Loved Ones

family footballHow many times have you tried to talk to one of your kids or spouse and are unable to thanks to the mobile device or tv remote in their hands? When you take a vacation in the Smokies you can create a new family rule that says no technology allowed, or you can find several fun and exciting activities to fill your time so no one will even miss that they haven’t checked Twitter or the baseball score in a few hours.

A family vacation is the perfect time to reconnect with the ones you love. This is the time to create new and memories that will last long after you return home.

 

Now that you know why you should take a vacation, we at Visit My Smokies would like to help you plan your next vacation in the Smokies.

 

Top 5 Ways To Prepare For A Vacation in the Smokies

1. Pick a Date

There is always a fun event going on or a new attraction opening in the Smoky Mountains. All you and your family have to do is decide what event or attraction opening you want to attend, and then plan your vacation time around that. To find many of the exciting upcoming events, check our our Smoky Mountain events calendar under the What to Do tab on our website.

vacation calendar2. Make a Plan

To make sure that you and your family are able to enjoy the most out of your next vacation in the Smokies, be sure to create some sort of game plan on what you want to do once you are here. This includes making a list of all the different Pigeon Forge attractions you want to do, where you want to eat, what you want to cook, what you need to pack and whatever else that comes to mind.

Not only is this a great way to ensure that you make time for everything you want to do while you are here, but it also gives you an idea of what you need to pack.

3. Find the Perfect Rental

Finding the best lodging rental to meet your family’s needs is key to creating the perfect vacation in the Smokies. Whether you want a secluded cabin rental in Gatlinburg that helps your family disconnect from the busy outside world, or you want a condo right off the Parkway that keeps you in the middle of all the action, knowing what you are looking for in a rental is very important.

To help you find your next vacation rental in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to check out the Where to Stay tab on our website.

4. Look For Coupons

Who doesn’t like to save a little money while they are away from home? By keeping an eye out for exclusive money-saving discounts and coupons to your favorite attraction or restaurant, you can save money, as well as open your budget up to allow for even more activities during your vacation in the Smokies.

To get a jumpstart on your coupon search, be sure to check out the Smoky Mountain attractions discounts we have listed on our site.

two little kids in the back of a car5. Have Fun

Remember, you are on vacation–RELAX! This is the time for you and your family to unwind and have fun with one another. The only responsibility you should place on yourself during your vacation in the Smokies is to enjoy as much fun and excitement possible each day you are here.

Leave your cell phone on silent, set an out of office on your work email, and don’t spend all your time worrying about what you could be doing if you were home.

 

Do you think we missed something, or do you have something to share to this post? Let us know in the comments below! We always love to hear from you.