The Value of Vacation
VACATION
It's Summer and many of us take this time to go on Vacation. However, did you know 53% of U.S. Workers don't use all their vacation days? What?
2019 Priceline Work-Life Balance Report
This unhealthy pattern is a result of employers getting into our heads. Among the above survey respondents, 18% said they don't take vacation because they are made to feel guilty about taking time off. The same percentage said they were just too busy to take vacations. Those same employees are much more likely to suffer from burnout, reduced effectiveness at their job, increased sick days, and they may leave their job years earlier than if they had taken a break every year.
It won't surprise anyone to learn that when people do manage to escape the office, that doesn't always mean they're getting away from the work: 29% said their companies or supervisors expect them to be "available" while on break, while 38% said they "feel pressure to check email or voice mail while away." And 15% of those surveyed said that "they end up working during some portion of every vacation they take." In general, U.S. workers are given fewer paid days off than their counterparts in other developed nations. Most European nations mandate 20 days per year, with France offering 25-37 days, not including paid holidays. The Scandinavian countries all have 25 days annually. And guess what? The United States has no national mandate! It is up to employers and employees to determine. Some companies offer no paid vacation days, though most average 10 days per year, with an additional 8 paid holidays. That's at least 2 weeks of time off you should be taking.
What is the value of vacation?
Improved physical health
Improved mental health.
Greater well-being.
Increased mental motivation.
Improved family relationships.
Decreased burnout - which I talked about last month
Boosted happiness.
1. Improves Mental Health
The same old routine and obligations can be mentally exhausting after a while. Whatever your circumstances may be, getting away and having a change of scenery and a change in routine lowers stress levels and clears the mental clutter. It could be just what the doctor ordered to reduce your anxiety or depression. An exciting new environment can help give your mental health the boost it needs. In fact, a study showed that after a vacation, travelers feel less anxious, happier, and well-rested.
2. Improved Physical Health
and may Prevent Heart Disease
Activities while on your vacation like golf, tennis, swimming, scuba diving, walking will improve your overall physical health. Studies show that taking a vacation lowers your stress levels which can, in turn, lower your risk of Metabolic Syndrome which leads to heart disease.
3. Just Planning Makes You Happy
We all know that it’s almost impossible to frown while on vacation, but did you know your brain is prone to a major boost in happiness just from thinking about an upcoming vacation? Research shows that one of the biggest boosts in happiness comes just from planning the vacation. The anticipation and expectations positively affect you before you even leave.
4. Increases Productivity And Creativity
Perhaps the best way to improve your job performance is a trip to a foreign country because, according to one study, when our brains are exposed to new languages, new sights, new sounds, and new cultures, it revitalizes your mind and boosts your creativity. And when you return rested, happy, and clear your productivity increases. Can't afford to go away? Staycations can be just as beneficial if you plan lots of enriching activities: get into nature, practice some amazing self-care, get a massage, take a long hot bath, create some art, and stay away from your work email.
5. Strengthens Relationships
No matter how long you’ve known someone, whether it be your spouse, your siblings, your children, or even your friends, there is always room for improvement in your relationships with the people you love. Traveling and exploring together can add some excitement and zeal to your relationships, because when you experience something new with your loved ones, it can help you bond with them at a much deeper level than ever before—which could be the biggest benefit of all.
6. Boost of Happiness
The sights, the sounds, the fun, the change of habits all boost your level of feeling Happy. So plan it, enjoy it, savor it, and remember it. Studies show the memories of a vacation last a lifetime. You are increasing your happiness quotient for your life, not just the moments on your trip.
Best of all, numerous studies show lasting benefits for months after your vacation. So where are you going this Summer?
I just got back from a 4-day-long weekend at Camp Scripps where I was surrounded by amazing and inspirational women of all ages. I enjoyed the beauty of the Scripps College campus, and even discovered some hidden courtyards while staying in a dorm I had not stayed in before. I enjoyed the beauty of nature by visiting the California Botanical Garden. I laughed and sang at the Grand Finale talent show. As many of the clients who saw me this past week can attest to, I returned rested, inspired, and excited by my change-of -pace weekend vacation.