Posted May 19th, 2015
By Kris Powers
Are you planning on taking vacation time this summer? If not, you will be among the 75% of Americans who fail to take all the paid vacation they are due each year. In a poll of 2,300 workers who get paid vacation, the career website Glassdoor found that only 25% of workers said they use all their paid days each year and 61% said that they continue to work even while they’re on vacation.
"Rest, relaxation, and stress reduction are very important for people's well-being and health. This can be accomplished through daily activities, such as exercise and meditation, but vacation is an important part of this as well," said primary care physician Natasha Withers from One Medical Group in New York.
Here are seven ways vacation can be beneficial for you:
Better physical health - The stress of working can take a serious toll on your heart. The American Psychological Association has documented several potentially stress-induced health threats, including increased cardiovascular risks.
Improved mental health - U.S. News and World Report reported that experts feel that one of the main benefits of vacation time is that it can improve your mental health. Feelings of calm arise and relieve the stress, allowing the body and mind to heal.
More productivity - Upon returning from vacation, employees are often refreshed and better able to catch up on work they may have missed, according to The New York Times.
Prevent/Cure burn out - According to PBS, employees nearing burnout have depleted their cognitive, physical and emotional resources. Vacations can help prevent or even cure burnout, which is the last state of chronic stress.
Increased mental power - Everyone needs time to rest their minds. Research by the University of California Irvine’s Gregory Hickok found that our brains don’t have a reserve pool to gather energy and power from. Therefore, it's important to give your mind a break!
Gain newer perspectives - CNN reported that when you take a break and step away from the problems and stresses you’re facing, you are bound to gain a new perspective. Perhaps you will come back from vacation with answers to issues that have been plaguing you.
Build relationships - Vacations promote bonding among family and friends; we can often look back at vacations with great fondness and warmth because of shared moments with loved ones. Even memories of the mishaps can bring laughter in future years!
It’s important that we slow down our pace in order to lead healthier lifestyles, including rest and relaxation for stress reduction as well as making time for the enjoyment of family and friends.
Source: Deseret News
