Could Taking Vacation Time Save Your Life?

Vacation Time & Your Health

by Sharon Fu, Seeds of Hope Counseling

Summer vacation season is here, but many Americans are not partaking. Maybe you’re one of them.

Dubbed the “No Vacation Nation,” our workaholic culture comes at a cost to our health. A recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 745,000 people died in 2016 from heart disease and stroke due to long hours and said the trend might worsen due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

You need to schedule time off. It’s good for your body and brain. It reduces mental stress, improves sleep and a boosts brainpower.

Now that I’ve hopefully convinced you to use your PTO, I have put together a plan to begin working toward your well-deserved vacation:

Getting Time Off

• Choose your time wisely.

• Be specific about your needs.

• Get caught up with all of your work.

• Be mindful of your team's schedules when possible.

• Make sure you ask, not tell.

• Offer to help plan for when you're away.

• Request your time in writing.

  Visit Better Up for more information.

Plan the Perfect Vacation

• Narrow It down to a specific destination: Big city or countryside? National or international? Relaxing or adventurous?

• Find the perfect amount of time away. You do not need a two-week vacation to reap health benefits from time off. Even a long weekend can do wonders.

• Start a countdown.

• Take care of the practical like pet care, and mail and garbage.

• Plan out activities.

• Or plan to do nothing. There is nothing wrong with cozying up with a good book or binge watching that new series.

• Consider going tech-free. Unplugging is a fantastic reset and you’ll feel refreshened once you’re back to the grind.

  Visit Select Registry for more information.

A Final Note

If you work in a toxic, workaholic culture, it’s time to start looking for a new job. And a final note to employers: Encourage time off within your work culture. You’ll see productivity, employee engagement and retention skyrocket!