Time off is good for you and your work

Why we should try and maximize any time we have away from work for our mental health

The season of respite and joy is upon us once more—a cherished time for many to pause and immerse in the warmth of family and friends. It's an occasion to gently set aside our laptops, if only momentarily, and shift our attention to the laughter and stories shared around us. This season invites us to embrace a term we seldom indulge in: 'Vacation.'

I must confess, disconnecting from work can be a challenging feat for some, myself included. The urge to remain tethered to our responsibilities, even amidst the allure of vacation, is a familiar tug. We often convince ourselves that our relentless involvement is crucial for making a difference. Yet, what we often overlook is the subtle truth: taking a few days to rejuvenate does not derail our progress or diminish our contributions. On the contrary, it might just be the secret ingredient that enhances them.

Vacation culture in America often intertwines with the belief that time off should be earned, leading to a decline in actual vacation days taken despite having fewer allocated days than many other countries. Research paints a compelling picture: vacations aren't just a luxury but a necessity. Turns out, we really need them! They have the ability to yield a transformative power, from stress reduction and improved immune function to enhanced productivity and creativity. The recipe for reaping these benefits involves choosing leisure activities wisely, prioritizing social connections and diverse experiences.

Just a few years ago, survey data showed that American workers left a jaw-dropping number of vacation days unused—about 768 million days! That's a pretty significant number of missed opportunities for relaxation and fun. Even though folks are earning more paid time off, they're still not using it all. The study found that lots of people want to travel on their time off but end up not taking the trip, costing around $151.5 billion in lost travel spending and jobs. According to the survey, the main reason we skip out on vacation are costs, work commitments, and hassles with travel. It turns out that those who plan their vacations ahead of time tend to take longer and more fulfilling breaks, and they're generally happier.

I realize that not everyone is able to take time off. If you are in the privileged places you can, you should. One Harvard Business Review article summarized the benefits as follows:

Mind:

• Unplugging and relaxing during vacation helps clear the mind and boosts creativity.

• Improved mood and reduced sleep deficits enhance overall mental health and cognitive functions.

• Better rest during vacation leads to increased focus, productivity, and memory retention at work.

Body:

• Vacation reduces stress hormones, boosts the immune system, and lowers risks of heart-related illnesses.

• Physical activities during vacation improve heart health, strengthen muscles, and offer numerous health benefits.

• Massages and time in nature on vacation have physiological advantages like improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

Soul:

• Vacation provides an opportunity to disconnect from external pressures and reconnect with one's true self.

• It allows individuals to ponder deeper questions, tune into intuition, and align with their core values.

• Bringing this authenticity back to work can enhance employee engagement and lead to meaningful career choices.

Overall Impact:

• We all benefit mentally, physically, and spiritually from vacation time.

• We also gain as a result of more sustainable, engaged, and healthier employees.

I love all these, and yet also know the pull to work will be ever present for some of us who absolutely love our work and feel passionate about what we do. For me, and I bet for many of you, the next couple of weeks will be filled with activities, most of which will have little to nothing to do with your work. And this is a good thing.

Take a moment to cherish your time off, immersing yourself fully in the company of those you hold dear. Embrace the opportunity to engage in those long-awaited pleasures—be it losing yourself in a book or learning that song you always wanted to play. Remember, cherishing these fleeting instants enriches not only our own well-being but also casts a positive ripple effect on those around us. It also allows us to return to work in January with renewed vigor and clarity.

In the spirit of my own advice, I'll be stepping away for the next two weeks. I look forward reconnecting with you on January 4th. Until then, may your holidays be filled with joy, and may any rest you find be helpful and healing. Here's to a new year brimming with potential and our continued dedication to advancing mental health!