American workers are notorious for being workaholics. Since March of 2020, an overwhelming majority of U.S. employees have shortened, postponed or canceled their vacation time. Another recent study found that 26% of respondents had never taken two weeks of vacation at one time. And The Center for Economic and Policy Research has gone so far as to call the U.S. the “No Vacation Nation.”
But leaving vacation time on the table is taking its toll on employees. A recent study by 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. The research found that working 55 hours or more a week was associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease than a workweek of 35 to 40 hours.
Taking vacation time is essential to employee survival. That’s because time off from work is integral to well-being, sustained productivity and high performance. I hear many people say “I don’t have time to take off”, but long weekends never hurt anyone!
Here are some additional reasons to start planning your next getaway.
Vacation time increases mindfulness
Going on holiday makes you feel more present and stimulated.
Vacation time improves heart health
Taking regular vacations could help reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome—a cluster of health issues including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess belly fat and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Vacation time reduces stress
Stress raises levels of certain hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. In the short term, this can be helpful, triggering the “fight or flight” response that helps you deal with immediate threats. But over time, chronic stress can increase your risk for health issues, including heart disease.
Vacation time boosts brainpower
Taking time off improves the capacity to learn. When your brain is completely relaxed, it consolidates knowledge and brainpower. “Neuroscience is so clear, through PET scans and MRIs, that the ‘aha’ moment comes when you’re in a relaxed state of mind,” says Brigid Schulte, author of Overwhelmed: Work, Love and Play When No One Has the Time.
Vacation time improves sleep
Restless nights are a common complaint—often stemming from the fact that we have too much on our minds. Researchers say that time off from work can help interrupt the habits that disrupt sleep, like working late into the night or checking your cell phone before bed.
Don’t be a vacation slacker. Time off is linked to a slew of benefits, including better sleep and improved mental health. So, what are you waiting for? Put the guilt aside and plan your next holiday. Your body and mind will thank you.
Make it a great day!