Most people suffer back to work blues after returning from their holidays. A study carried out at the Icahm School of Medicine, university of California and Stanford suggests the benefits of holidays can have a positive effect on people lasting as much as a month after returning to work. Although previous studies have also shown the positive impact vacationing has on mental health, the new research proves the retreat actually changes how our genes function. Scientists found that just six days away triggers genetic changes which dampens stress, boosts the immune system and lowers levels of proteins linked to dementia and depression. “It’s intuitive that taking a vacation reduces biological processes related to stress, but it was still impressive to see the large changes in gene expression from being away from the busy pace of life, in a relaxing environment, in such a short period of time,” said Dr Elissa Epel, Professor of Psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco and first author of the study.
“Our results point to both a significant ‘vacation effect’ that benefited all groups, and a suppression of stress-related responses.” The team also found that holidays which included meditation practice had an added benefit to health. The study involved 94 healthy women aged between 30 and 60 who were recruited to stay at a meditation retreat in California for six days. Half were simply told to relax on vacation while the others joined a programme which included meditation, yoga and self-reflection exercises. Researchers collected blood samples, and well-being surveys, from all participants immediately before and after their stay, one month and ten months later. They then compared the activity of 20,000 genes to determine if any altered during and after the resort experience.
The results show that all groups had significant changes in molecular network patterns after the week at the resort, compared with their pre-vacation biology.
The most notable changes in gene activity were related to stress response and immune function.

source: telegraph.co.uk