Bon Voyage!
Summer is the traditional time for vacations. Taking vacation time is an important factor in maintaining physical and mental health. “Getting away” relaxes and refreshes the body and helps alleviate stress. It is also a great way to reconnect with family and friends and focus on those special relationships. Yet, of all the workers in the developed countries of the world, Americans come to the end of the year with the most unused vacation days. Here are some popular excuses:
1. “I’m too busy at work.” A little advanced planning and coordination with co-workers for coverage may take away some of the worry about being away. Book flights and rooms early. The rates are usually lower and once you book, you’ve made the commitment to get away. Try to resist the urge to “check in” with work while away.
2. “I’ll just take a long weekend.” It can take a couple of weeks to completely unwind and then gear back up for return to work. This process can’t usually be achieved over a weekend. However, a long weekend is better than no time off at all.
3. “If I take time off, I’m not as effective at my job.” Actually, working without a break can cause efficiency to decline. Time away can bring a fresh look and new ideas.
4. “I’ll take more vacations when I retire.” Working with no relief can have a negative effect on physical and mental health. People whose jobs dominate their lives sometimes have difficulty adjusting to retirement.
Using that vacation time is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your family and even your employer. Getting out of the regular routine allows people to use different parts of the brain. Vacations don’t have to be expensive. A little research might find a special get away gem not far from home. Taking time off is not selfish. It is an important part of the work/life balance. So get out there and use those vacation days!