This is Why Taking Vacation is Good For Your Health
Your employer provides paid time off with the hope of sending off a tightly wound employee and getting back one that is smiling, content and more importantly, productive and happy to be at work. Here are some of the subtle changes your boss hopes you achieve through taking time off from th daily grind:
Learned Relaxation
Relaxing is a skill. When work spirals into a frenzy or an aggressive deadline is in your face, collapsing into a puddle in the corner because the stress is so great helps no one. It is in these moments you most need the skill necessary to calm your central nervous system and move forward in a level-headed manner.
When is a perfect time to hone this skill? That’s right. Vacation time. Whether your vacation involves sitting on a beach or hiking Machu Pichu, link moments of being relaxed with taking a deep breath. Next time work gets crazy, drop into that breath. Use it to stay calm and carry on.
Expanded Mindset
New experiences and meeting new people is good for our brains and opens our minds to new possibilities. Being open to alternate realities makes space in our minds for creativity. Apply this new way of looking and living to both your home life and your work. There is more out there than your tiny little piece of the world. Check it out, see what it can teach you and return to your job with new eyes and fresh ideas.
Balanced Life
If you have gotten off track, time off can bring balance back to your life. Spending too much energy on work? Are you constantly checking email, even at home on your “down time”? Use vacation time to step away from work completely and check in on other aspects of your life. Reflect on the whole picture that is your being and consider where your current work-life balance stands. Adjust as necessary.
An Unplugged Brain
Whether you realize it or not, constantly checking your phone/email/social media accounts wears on your brain. Fear of missing out is a real thing and it creates stress.
Vacation can be the ultimate unplug. Leave the phone at home or find a destination with no cell service. The mind you save will be your own.
Improved Relationships
In addition to the benefits of a digital detox, reap the reward of refreshed relationships by spending precious down time connecting with people that are important to you.
Be warned: you may find the break refreshes your relationship with your job as well. You can’t appreciate your work or your co-workers if you never leave.
The bottom line is this: vacation days are yours to use or to lose. Take full advantage of the benefits they offer by using them. It’s good to take a little break from your job to relax, refresh and unplug. The relationships you foster in your down time will support you in a way that enriches your life and makes your job more fulfilling.
Enjoy!
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We want you to be well and to live your best life. The content is in this blog is provided for the purposes to educate and entertain you: our very important reader. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical advice from a trained healthcare professional.
If you have a medical condition or are under the care of a medical provider, please always seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new health care regime. To that point, never disregard medical advice or delay treatment for a medical condition because of something you read on this site.
Listen to your care providers as they know you and your condition best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI
I use to be guilty of never using all my vacation hours. Why?? The harder I worked the more my employer expected. I took a long look at my life work balance and decided that stepping down from my position was right for me. Now I am happier and USE all my vacation hours. All work and no play is not a good thing.
I totally agree. I notice a huge difference when I come back from time off even if I do not go anywhere. I more connect with friends and can do more with family.