Despite receiving a meager number of vacation days each year, less than half of American workers used all of their paid time off in 2016. At the same time, Americans cite the workplace as one of the greatest stressors in their lives. It’s clear there’s a disconnect between workers’ words and actions, but why?
While a lack of job security certainly contributes to those unused vacation days, it’s not the whole picture. Employees say the biggest reasons behind their workaholic habits are a sense of obligation, fear of returning to a pile of work, and vacation-shaming by bosses. However, forgoing vacation days so you can squeeze in more work might be counterproductive: Research shows that employees are actually more productive, engaged, and dedicated when they take their allotted time off. And that’s not the only reason to use your vacation days.
Time dedicated to self-care is essential for good mental health, but there’s little time to relax when you’re juggling a full-time job, a house, and a family. And while weekends are nice, there’s hardly enough time to tackle chores and enjoy a quick outing before it’s Monday morning again. To truly relieve your mental load, you need a solid block of time to disconnect from responsibilities. The consequences of not doing so? Mounting stress that can lead to depression, anxiety, and burnout.
On the other hand, workers who make the most of their vacation days are happier, more creative, and have closer relationships with their loved ones. If that’s not reason enough to schedule a vacation, consider that time away from the office will help you reconnect with your greatest goals in life, bringing perspective that could help you refocus at work or set your sights on a new career entirely, according to psychologist Francine Lederer.
When you’re ready to take a vacation, don’t just plan a day off to sit at home in front of the television. Taking a deliberate approach to vacation planning empowers you to make the most of time off.
Start planning your vacation well in advance to maximize its benefits. Scientists say that anticipation alone can have a positive effect on mood. Once on leave, resist the urge to spend your free time handling other obligations, like chauffeuring kids or making home repairs. While those tasks certainly need to get done, they shouldn’t usurp time meant for relaxation. If there are things you simply must get done before vacation, designate the weekend before for catching up on your to-do list.
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Of course, some responsibilities are daily and can’t be ignored just because you’re on break. Earmark some of your vacation money for a babysitter and house sitter while you’re away so you can rest easy knowing everyone is cared for in your absence. If you have a dog, hiring a pet sitter ensures he gets plenty of exercise and play despite your change of schedule.
Likewise, keep work out of sight and out of mind. After all, if you’re tied to your work email and phoning into conference calls while you’re away, you’re not really on vacation — you’re just working remotely.
Finally, make sure your vacation itself is relaxing, not hectic. Avoid over-scheduling; instead, plan a couple of big-ticket activities and give yourself time in between to enjoy little pleasures like stopping by a cafe, roaming a historic neighborhood, or diving into a good book. While it’s understandable to want to make the most of your hard-earned vacation fund, it’s relaxing trips that boost well-being the most.
While some workplaces treat time off as a hard-won luxury, the reality is, breaks are a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. So this year, don’t let those vacation hours go to waste. Take the vacation you’ve earned and know that it’s good for your company and good for you.
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