Why Taking a Vacation Is Good for Your Health

You’ve probably thought it a thousand times while sitting at your desk staring at your computer screen. “I need a vacation.”

But, if you’re like more than 50% of Americans leaving vacation days unused, you’re probably not planning on taking a vacation anytime soon.

Many people view taking a vacation as being lazy. They worry that their bosses will label them as unproductive or uncommitted to their jobs. And, this is completely understandable considering that many bosses discourage employees from using vacation days.

But, your boss would likely rethink their position if they truly understood the health benefits of taking a vacation. In fact, it’s probably a good idea for them to take a vacation as well!

However, if you’re worried about your health or want to live a happier life then going on a vacation is likely the answer. There’s a whole world out there waiting to be discovered. And, you certainly won’t find it by staring at your computer screen 9-5, Monday through Friday.

So, what sort of benefits can one gain from taking a vacation? Read on to find out.

Taking a Vacation: 5 Benefits of Getting Away

Vacations aren’t simply a luxury. They are a necessity for promoting work-life balance which leads to a more fulfilling life. Vacations can even be “staycations” where you lounge around and watch TV all day.

Or if you’re feeling fancy, you can even take celebrity cruises to the Bahamas.

No matter what type of vacation you prefer, there are many health benefits you can gain from taking some time off. Explore the following benefits of taking a vacation.

1. Stress Reduction

We all know that job stress is a real thing. But, leaving the office environment for a period of time can reduce your stress levels. Going on vacation allows us to experience new places and things in a relaxing way.

And lower stress levels also means reducing your risk for heart disease and other ailments.

2. Improved Confidence

Stress has a way of distorting our view of the world, our work, and our life. When stress levels are too high we may find ourselves making mistakes, acting out, or forgetting important tasks.

When we take a vacation, we allow our minds to relax and see things more clearly. This can lead to more confidence and the ability to execute important tasks in our personal and work lives.

3. Better Sleep

Stress can lead to sleep problems like insomnia. When sleep deprivation occurs, our mental and physical health can suffer. Taking a vacation can give our bodies and minds a chance to reboot so that we can get our sleep cycles back on track.

Without the stress of waking up at a certain time, a vacation can dramatically improve our overall well-being.

4. Improved Productivity

Working longer hours for extended periods of time doesn’t always mean we’re more productive. In fact, the opposite can be true. Working long hours can be mentally and physically draining which can reduce our concentration.

By taking a vacation, you’re setting yourself up for success and more productivity. You can come back to work refreshed, more focused, and ready to tackle any task at hand.

5. Better Relationships

If our work is overflowing into our personal lives, our relationships can suffer. We need to spend time with loved ones to deepen the relationship and feel more connected.

By taking a vacation, you’re giving yourself an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and improve your relationships. Your loved ones will be delighted that you’ve spent more time with them and you will feel refreshed knowing that your relationships are steady and secure.

Taking a Vacation: Where’s Your Dream Destination?

Taking a vacation is a way to practice self-care. In a world where we are driven to work, we need to balance this drive with some much-needed vacation time. So, if you ever feel guilty for requesting some days off, remember that it’s good for your health and your work!

Want to lower your stress even more? There’s an app for that! Check out our blog post to learn all about stress-reducing apps.