Spring break is finally here in Pasco County. Do you and your family have vacation plans? Plans don’t have to be extravagant trips to somewhere far. Even a “staycation” where you go out to the beach or hanging out at a friend’s pool can count—take advantage of living in Florida! Did you know that using up your vacation time is actually good for you, both personally and professionally?

On a personal level, taking a vacation or staycation has the health benefits of letting your body repair itself by getting away from the stress triggers at work or from your daily home routine. When stress gets out of hand, we can get less sleep, a weakened immune system, feel depressed, anxious, or moody, act more forgetful, and make poor judgements (Clark-Jones, 2014). When getting away from it all, our bodies have a chance to restore and we think more positively about our circumstances.

On a professional level, it is said that great ideas for work-related projects come from being away from work. We are able to think better when we are far from the pressures of work, and even more so when we are away from our electronics. Allowing your brain a chance to relax lets it become more effective and creative. Studies also show that employees who go on vacations have a better outlook on their jobs and see an increase in productivity when they return (Clark-Jones, 2014). When leaving your vacation hours on the table, you’re not as competent as the coworker who took time off from work because you’re not contributing to your full potential.

Many people think that being at work all of the time and not going on vacation gives them the appearance of being a more dedicated employee, but you will actually be a better employee when you take some time to unwind. Your mind and boss will thank you.

References:

Clark-Jones, T. (2014). Take A Vacation! Retrieved from http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/take_a_vacation

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