So how much time would you need to spend away from work? Would five days be enough? What would you do if you had two weeks off from work?
Ok, if you’re a senior vice president at a major corporation, that might be the case. But for someone like me, who is a full-time Account Manager and blog creator on the side, taking ten days off in a row is pushing it. I’m lucky if I can take a day or two off from work without feeling guilty.
But even with two kids under the age of six, a fantastic wife, and a full-time job. I still manage to find time to rejuvenate, refresh and revive myself, giving me the energy I need to face my rigorous schedule each day. The key is knowing what to do during those precious few moments.
1. Regular Vacations Increase Workplace Productivity
You know that feeling when you can’t focus on anything? When your brain feels like it’s been wrung out like a sponge and all the water has evaporated? Yeah, that feeling. We’ve all been there. And it’s not a pleasant one.
The research is in, and the results are precise: regular vacations increase workplace productivity.
Seriously, though. You read that right. And check out the article from The American Psychological Association below.
It turns out that taking vacations can help prevent us from reaching that point of total mental exhaustion. A study by the American Psychological Association found that employees who take regular breaks are more productive when working. The study also found that those who don’t take vacations are more likely to suffer from burnout.
Think about it for a moment. When you’re on vacation, you’re not thinking about work. You’re not even thinking about the holiday itself (if it’s a good one). You’re just enjoying yourself and being present in the moment. This allows your brain to relax and recharge so that when you return to work, you’re refreshed, have a pep in your step, and are ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
2. You Have Time To Do What You Love.
When you’re busy doing everything under the sun, it’s easy to forget that you can set your schedule and carve out time for the things that matter.
When you’re on vacation, you can finally read that book sitting on your nightstand for months or pick up that new hobby you’ve wanted to try. You can also sleep in, nap, and relax without worrying about getting everything done. Isn’t that a fantastic feeling?
You can go for long walks and appreciate the simple things in life. You can do whatever you want without worrying about work, limited time, or other obligations.
There’s no better time to take a well-deserved vacation than now. You’ve been working hard, and you’ve earned it. But don’t just sit there and look at your vacation days—use them!
A well-earned vacation can mean the difference between an average year and a great year. Think back to when you were on vacation and doing something you loved. Now think about a time when you didn’t take a vacation and just worked straight through the year. How did you feel at the end of that year? Chances are, you were feeling pretty stressed out, burned out, and exhausted.
It’s not about how many days you take off, but how much you can fully relax and enjoy yourself. Remember that planning to make the most of your time off from work is essential.
3. Taking Time Off Is Good For Mental Health.
We live in a world where we are expected to be productive at all times, but what if I told you that taking time off from work isn’t just good for your physical health, it’s also good for mental health.
Let’s face it: we all need a break sometimes.
And when you’re feeling stressed, tired, or burned out, taking a vacation can be the best way to recharge your mental marbles.
Research from WebMD has shown that vacations can have many mental health benefits. Including reducing stress, improving moods, and even increasing one overall mental well-being. It is worth the read if you want to explore this topic more.
- Reconnect, Refocus And Recharge
They say, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” And if you’re one of those who have been feeling isolated lately due to too much remote work and not getting enough sunlight, then maybe it’s time for you to book that trip! You’ll be surprised at how much your perspective will change once you return.
In addition to getting away from work, taking a vacation gives you the chance to reconnect with friends and family. Whether planning a romantic getaway or a group trip, spending quality time with those you love is always beneficial.
You can enjoy new experiences or revisit old ones, rediscovering things in your town or city that you never knew existed. You can even use the opportunity to learn more about your friends and family or spend time talking and catching up.
And the best part is that when you return home, having spent some time away from the daily grind, your perspective will be completely different—and better!
- Improve Your Relationships.
We all know that relationships can be hard work, but did you know that taking a vacation can help improve them?
It may sound counterintuitive, but research has shown that couples who spend time together on vacation have better relationships. An interesting article from Rewire dives deeper into this topic and why vacations can help improve relationships. I recommend giving it a read.
So, if you feel like your relationship could use a boost or want to spend quality time with your partner away from all the commotion, then booking some one-on-one time overseas may be just what you need.
- Become A Happier And More Relaxed Version Of Yourself
So you’re planning your escape from the mundane day-to-day task that never seems to stop. Congratulations!
You’re about to embark on a journey leading to a better version of yourself.
Once you’re on vacation mode, you’re free to do what you want, when you want. And that is just the appetizer for what’s to come: once you get there—the place where no one can reach you—you’ll have time to yourself. Time to think about what’s essential in life, time for reflection, growth, fun, relaxation, and time for everything that makes life worth living!
So go ahead and pack your bags! You deserve this much-needed break from your daily grind.
- Appreciation For Your Life.
As we all know, life can get pretty hectic. But it’s easy to forget how much you have going for you.
When you’re on vacation, everything seems to move a little slower. And that’s not a bad thing! It gives you time to appreciate all the good things in your life.
You’ll have time to consider your career, relationships, hobbies, and goals. You’ll be able to reflect on your progress and set your sights on what you want to achieve next.
It can feel like everything is out of control when you’re in the thick of it. However, stepping away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life will give you a newfound appreciation for the little things that make up your day-to-day life.
Perhaps a new level of gratitude will wash over you when you turn on the lights in your apartment and realize that they are working. Or maybe the smell of freshly brewed coffee will bring a smile to your face as it wafts through your kitchen window from next door’s balcony garden. Or maybe seeing an old friend after a long time apart will remind you how much fun it is to be around people who know you.
After taking some time off, you will likely find that you have a new appreciation for your life and all it has to offer.
So there you have it! Seven benefits of taking some time off from work that everyone should know.
It’s important to remember that vacations are not just a luxury but a necessity. They give us a chance to recharge our batteries, spend time with loved ones, and remind us what’s important in life.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next getaway today!
Did we miss anything? What suggestions do you have for making the most of your vacation? Let us know in the comments below!
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You don’t want to miss out on our other articles on productivity and goal-setting for more helpful tips here!
References:
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Vacation time recharges US workers, but positive effects vanish within days, New Survey finds. American Psychological Association. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2018/06/vacation-recharges-workers
WebMD. (n.d.). How travel can help reduce stress and ease anxiety and depression. WebMD. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-travel-affects-mental-health
Rewire. (2018, April 16). Does traveling with the one you love make for a better relationship? Rewire. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://www.rewire.org/better-relationship-traveling-partner-friends/
