The Importance of Taking Vacations

A report by the U.S. Travel Association showed that 4 in 10 Americans do not use their vacation time. Health experts suggest that using vacation time is an important part of one’s overall well-being. We each have our own individual reasons for needing to take a vacation. No matter the reason, the benefits are important.

Here are a few benefits of taking vacations that might surprise you:

Improves your mental health

Life can be demanding and stressful. Taking a break from the neverending cycle of everyday life can be really beneficial in reducing your anxiety and depression. Trying to balance a work-life on top of your daily life can become overwhelming. Vacation days are meant to be used! Use your vacation time to recenter your thoughts. By doing this, you are less likely to burn out on your job, coming back motivated and ready to perform your duties better than ever!

Reconnect with your family

After a long day at work, you may not always be on top of everything in your home. Your mental and physical state might not be at the top of its game, making you push your family and their needs to the side. Your family does not deserve to take the beating from your stressful day at work. Instead, take your family on an enjoyable vacation that everyone would enjoy. Make memories and appreciate the time you have together. Use the vacation to bond, build better communication and spend irreplaceable quality time together. 

Increases your creativity and productivity

Did you know that when your brain is exposed to new sights, sounds and cultures, it revitalizes your mind and makes you more creative? Going on vacation allows you to venture out of your comfort zone, forcing your brain to be more productive in thought. Going on a relaxing vacation will help recharge your batteries and get rid of the tension from your workplace. This will then help you to go back to work with your newfound creativity and productivity at a record high. 

Thinking about a vacation makes you happy 

Your brain is prone to have an increased boost of dopamine by thinking about a vacation up to eight weeks before your vacation starts. Dopamine is the chemical in your brain that makes you feel happy. Just the effects of thinking of having a vacation show to magnify your happiness. Let’s not forget the amount of happiness that you feel during and after your vacation!

The point is, taking a vacation is the key to keeping up with your health, your family, your work ethic and your happiness. Enjoy your vacation time before it expires and soak up relaxing time to help yourself be a better employee.