People in the U.S. are working more hours and taking less time off, bringing on various mental and physical health challenges. When work is overwhelming and your work-life balance feels out of whack, it’s time to ask yourself, “Should I go on vacation?” Taking a vacation offers many health benefits, but there are factors preventing people from taking a break.
For example, layoffs and lean staffing make it difficult for people doing the work to get away. Some fear that taking a vacation will make them appear less committed than coworkers. The seven health benefits of taking a vacation outweigh the stressors that can come with planning a getaway.
Seven health benefits of taking a vacation
Studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and mental health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals. If you still need a little convincing, here is a list of some of the additional benefits of taking time away from work.
1. Improved physical health
Stress can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure. For both men and women, the New York Times reported, taking a vacation every two years compared to every six will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks.
2. Improved mental health
Neuroscientists have found that chronic exposure to stress can alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety and depression. When you take a vacation, feelings of calm arise and relieve stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn't if it were still under pressure.
3. Greater well-being
According to a Gallup study, people who "always make time for regular trips" had a 68.4 score on the Gallup-Heathway's Well-Being Index, in comparison to a 51.4 Well-Being score for less frequent travelers. One study found that three days after vacation, subjects' physical complaints, quality of sleep, and mood had improved compared to before vacation. These gains were still present five weeks later, especially in those who had more personal time and overall satisfaction during their vacation.
4. Increased mental motivation
Many who return from vacation are more focused and productive. Studies have found that chronic stress can make it difficult to achieve certain tasks and cause memory problems. Taking time off can be like getting a tune-up for the brain, improving your mental health and cognition.
5. Improved family relationships
Spending time enjoying life with loved ones can keep relationships strong. A study by the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services found that women who took vacations were more satisfied with their marriages.
6. Decreased burnout
Employees who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts. Another way to manage burnout is through the Oxygen Mask Rule: "Secure your masks before assisting others." In other words, address your mental, physical and spiritual needs before committing to responsibilities benefitting others outside of your immediate family.
7. Boosted happiness
Research shows planning a vacation can boost your happiness. Some people experience an elevated mood up to eight weeks before the trip.
The bottom line is, take a vacation if you can. When you take time away from the stresses of work and daily life, it can improve our physical and mental health, motivation, relationships, job performance and perspective. A vacation can help you feel refreshed and more prepared to handle whatever comes when you return.
FAQs
Research has shown that taking time off is good for your physical and mental health, even if you can't take a full vacation. Experts say that just taking a half-day off from work or turning off your devices for an hour when you clock out can help your body and mind disconnect and recharge.
What's a benefit of using your vacation time? ›
Improved rest and sleep during vacation also helps you return to work able to think more clearly as well as be more focused and productive, which has shown benefits to both the individual and the employer.
What is the point of a vacation? ›
REST, RELAX & RECHARGE
Dedicating time for the purpose of rest, relaxation and to recharge is of critical importance; this isn't often achieved over the course of a weekend, so dedicating time away to unplug can help us to reset. Vacations have been known to help improve overall sleep quality.
What happens when you go too long without a vacation? ›
The Impact of Going Too Long Without a Vacation. Even though your career focus seems bright, going too long without a vacation can have serious consequences. Stressful situations take a toll on your mental and physical health, leading to poor performance at work, exhaustion, illness, and depression.
Do vacations make you happier? ›
A positive, well-managed vacation can make you happier and less stressed, and you can return with more energy at work and with more meaning in your life. Positive vacations have a significant effect upon energy and stress. In our study, 94 percent had as much or more energy after coming back after a good trip.
Is vacation good for mental health? ›
Traveling for Your Well-Being
Having new experiences is beneficial for improving brain function and boosting your mental health. Travel has been linked to stress reduction and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Why is vacation important for mental health? ›
A study released last year by the American Psychological Association concluded that vacations work to reduce stress by removing people from the activities and environments that they associate with stress and anxiety.
How often should you take a vacation? ›
However, most studies agree that at least two vacations a year can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Two vacations a year might seem like a lot to some and not enough to others, but that's truly the minimum number of vacations we're talking about here.
Can a vacation change your life? ›
It is life changing
Traveling has the power to change your life in many ways. First, when you use those vacation days for travel, you are opening yourself up to new experiences and extending your comfort zone.
What vacation means to you? ›
A vacation is a period of time during which you relax and enjoy yourself away from home. They planned a late summer vacation in Europe. We went on vacation to Puerto Rico. If you have a particular number of days' or weeks' vacation, you do not have to go to work for that number of days or weeks.
Your health could be at risk
As the American Psychological Association notes, chronic stress can result in depression, headaches, heart disease, stroke, and more.
Why do some people never take vacation? ›
Whether it's anxiety around planning the logistics to care for kids and pets, fear of being replaceable at work, or concern about a massive workload upon return, all roads lead to unused PTO and a massive uptick in employee burnout. Workers' reluctance to take time off has been an issue for years.
How many vacations a year is normal? ›
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average number of paid vacation days is 11 days. This average is based on a US employee working in the private sector, with 1 year of service. Taking weekends into account, this works out to just over 2 full weeks of vacation leave per year.
How many vacations per year is normal? ›
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average number of paid vacation days is 11 days. This average is based on a US employee working in the private sector, with 1 year of service. Taking weekends into account, this works out to just over 2 full weeks of vacation leave per year.
Does everyone need a vacation? ›
As such, everyone needs a break. Research shows that taking time off — time away, that is, not just free evenings or weekends at home — restores peace of mind, puts life back in balance, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, improves cognition, and contributes to an overall improved sense of well-being.
