As summer approaches, the allure of a vacation grows stronger after months of hard work. New research suggests that taking time off could be more than just a mental break—it might also be crucial for your health.
A study led by Chinese scientists and published through Edith Cowan University in Australia explores how travel impacts health by shifting the body into a “low entropy state.” Entropy, a concept from thermodynamics, refers to the tendency of systems to move toward disorder. In health terms, this means that a disordered or chaotic state in one bodily system can affect others, leading to overall decline.
According to Fangli Hu, a doctoral candidate at Edith Cowan University, health is maintained by four key systems: self-organization, self-defense, self-repair, and anti-wear-and-tear. Disruption in any of these systems can lead to a high-entropy state, which is associated with illness and aging.
Hu suggests that while this process is largely irreversible, it can be mitigated. Positive travel experiences—such as encountering new stimuli, socializing, and engaging in physical activities—might help reduce entropy and improve health.
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