I received a press release today with some very unsurprising facts and figures regarding stress and time off. For those of you who aren’t aware, I stepped down from my full-time job at the end of May as part of a larger strategy to reduce stress and improve my health. I’m now freelancing again, and my health has improved significantly. From the press release, I quote:

Recent studies published in the British Medical Journal and featured in Time magazine reveal strong evidence that time off is good medicine. For example:

• Chronic work-related stress caused can nearly double your risk of heart disease and diabetes
• Long-term exposure to stress at work appears to have a direct adverse effect on the autonomic nervous system
• An annual vacation of at least two weeks can cut the risk of heart attack in men by 32% and in women by 50%

“These are startling statistics,” says Marilyn Downing Staff, founder and owner of Asia Transpacific Journeys. “People are beginning to view travel – like a gym membership — as an investment in their health. When you consider the long-term costs associated with stress-related illnesses, travel is very inexpensive by comparison. And let’s face it, a lot more fun.”

And that’s true, even when doing research for a story…as long as the itinerary has some breathing room!

I spent this weekend in one of my favorite Florida destinations, White Springs, a quiet hamlet along the Suwannee River and home to the first ever Florida Hiking Festival (March 28-30). It was a volunteer orientation for the folks who will be leading hikes and paddling trips, and a beautiful weekend once the rains passed by on Friday night. Heavy rains meant heavy water, so the river was rising and the falls and shoals were full. One surprise was White Sulphur Springs - found right behind the Nature & Heritage Tourism Center and right at the entrance to Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park - was running backwards. In geologic terms, it’s called an “estavelle.” The spring ceases pushing out water and starts sucking it into the aquifer, and that’s what was happening inside the spring house, with a tremendous roar and foam. Thanks to Edwin McCook for encouraging our group to go and see it!