Happy Independence Day! As we were planning our 4th of July festivities, I came across two separate articles about the importance of taking vacations. Personally, I have never had a problem using up my vacation days but apparently Americans are taking fewer and fewer vacation days every year.
Here are some positive benefits of vacations:
- Cures burnout (the last stage of chronic stress)
- Prevents health risks of stress
- Increases positive mood, initiative and optimism
- Increases job performance
- Improves family time and relationships
- Improves communities and community involvement
The catch is that you have to take your vacations. Leave your laptop and your Blackberry at home and give yourself a chance to recharge. When you get back to work you may find yourself producing your best work yet!
Read these articles to learn more:
Vacation Deprivation
Vacation Campaign – Work to Live
Other Sites:
Take Back Your Time – an initiative to guarantee paid and unpaid time off for employees
Vacation Advocacy – a fun site from Universal