Welcome to another wellness Wednesday, where I explore the interconnection between financial wellness and overall well-being. Today, I am jetting off on a week-long, all-inclusive vacation down South, bidding farewell to the winter blues in Toronto.

 

February always leaves me feeling a bit off-kilter — whether it's the scarcity of sunlight or the ongoing wrestling match with my dog over the boots he has to wear for his walks. But heading south in February is my secret weapon against the winter woes. There's just something magical about soaking up the sun and feeling the warm sand between my toes, a combo that leaves me feeling alive and super relaxed.

 

Now, let me let you in on a quirky tradition of ours. Before a tropical adventure, my spouse and I make a day out of going to Kensington Market here in Toronto. We check out some of the restaurants and get a churro with a coffee, but the main mission of this outing is to snag a new straw fedora hat. It's a small but significant ritual that adds an extra dash of excitement to our getaway. I adore how a straw hat feels in the hot sun, and this year, I decided to shake things up by replacing the hat's band with this amazing fabric I found featuring a peacock clip (pictured above). A personal touch that not only makes the vacation feel more "me" but amps up my anticipation levels.

 

Here's the real reason for my getaway — taking a vacation isn't just about having a blast or a new hat; it's a wonderful investment in your health and well-being. The benefits are endless from reducing stress to gaining a fresh perspective. But I was curious about our little ritual and if there was any research on vacation traditions.

 

Little did I realize that our straw hat tradition is brilliant, let me explain. Believe it or not, positive psychology and leisure research have looked into this, revealing that creating and maintaining small, meaningful rituals before and during vacations heightens anticipation, satisfaction, and relaxation.

 

A study by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a renowned positive psychology researcher, shows that engaging in these traditions — whether it's picking up a particular souvenir, engaging in a unique activity, or adopting a special habit — adds a layer of familiarity and excitement to unfamiliar surroundings. Furthermore, Dr. Jeroen Nawijn, a researcher in the field of tourism and leisure, emphasizes that these personal traditions act as emotional anchors, fostering positive emotions and reducing stress during vacation periods.

 

So, whether it's a cherished hat from your favourite market or a creative tweak to a vacation accessory, these little traditions play a crucial role in making your vacation not just memorable, but downright fantastic. With this new found knowledge I cannot wait to get onto that beach!

 

I'd love to hear about some of your favourite traditions, so feel free to share!