We seem to know intuitively that a break from the normal routine will recharge our batteries, but did you know that taking a vacation not only revives you mentally and emotionally, but can actually help your career?

The average 7 day vacation has been shown to reduce blood pressure and stress hormones leading to an improvement in heart health.  Taking a vacation has been linked to a decrease in depression, a reduction in job related stress, improved inter-personal relations, and may even give you a fresh perspective in problem solving.  This helps you in your personal and professional life.  Landmark studies linking a lack of true “down-time” with a higher incidence of heart disease and early mortality make the necessity of taking time away from the daily grind even more compelling.  In fact, according to one study, middle-aged men who skipped vacations for five years were 30% more likely to have a heart attack compared with men who took at least a week’s break annually.  Just missing one week of annual vacation, according to the study, was associated with negative cardiac outcomes. In a similar study, women who rarely vacation were almost 8 times more likely to suffer from cardiac disease. Taking two vacations per year appears to be the ultimate, if you can do it, to stay healthy in body, mind and spirit.

Sadly, approximately 75% of U.S. employees fail to take their paid time off, primarily due to fear of either losing their jobs, having a desk full of work when they return, not attaining work goals or are afraid of how it will look to the boss. The truth could not be farther!  Evidence all points to reasons why workers SHOULD plan well-deserved trips. Employees who enjoyed vacations were viewed as more successful, creative, productive, focused, and therefore, a more valuable asset to their employer. It seems a vacation could be an opportunity for that raise or promotion you’ve been eyeing! So, make a promise to yourself and your health.  Plan your vacation schedule for this year.  Your future self will thank you.

Contribution Made by Chris Golden