It’s that time of year when many employees are taking some well-deserved time off work to enjoy summer vacations. However, you don’t need to book an exotic far-off destination to reap the benefits of taking some time off. Even a staycation or a day off here and there can have numerous physical and mental benefits. Here are some of the benefits in case you need a little convincing to take off a bit of time this summer…
Reduced Stress
Stress can raise hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which are
in the short term, but when you are continuously in a stressed state, can lead to potential health issues. In an article on Forbes, they write, “A study released by the American Psychological Association concluded that time off helps to reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with anxiety. Are you thinking of heading to the beach or going camping this summer? Another scientific report highlights that spending at least 120 minutes a week in natural environments (such as parks, woodlands and beaches) is associated with good health and well-being.”
Better Mental Clarity
When you are continually burning the candle at both ends, not only will that lead to work burnout, but also cloudy and stagnant thinking. In an article in Scientific American, they write, “Downtime replenishes the brain’s stores of attention and motivation, encourages productivity and creativity, and is essential to both achieve our highest levels of performance and simply form stable memories in everyday life.” Taking time off to rest and recharge may feel like it will hurt your career goals but in fact, taking breaks is essential to helping you refocus and come back with a fresh perspective and firing on all cylinders.
Better Immune System
One perhaps unexpected health benefit of taking time off is a boosted immune system. In an article on One Medical they write, “Excessive work has been linked to heart disease and stroke… even mortality. Stress and sleep loss, commonly correlated with working long hours, also impact your immune system and ability to stave off disease. We’re talking chronic stress — a slow burn, over time, without break (like your schedule) — versus acute stress.” When you take time off, it can help you reduce stress and be an opportunity to catch up on sleep which will in turn lead to a healthier body.
Better Relationships
Having an unhealthy work-life balance can put a strain on your personal relationships. It’s important to set time aside to spend with those close to you. In an article on ThriveGlobal they write “While it’s important to focus on your career, you also need to work on your relationships. If you’re constantly logging in long hours at the office or checking your phone and email all evening, the important people in your life will start feeling neglected. Even a short vacation allows you to unplug from your job and spend quality time with your loved ones.”