Feeling tired, having difficulty concentrating, or losing interest in your daily work? Doctors often evaluate these symptoms to diagnose patients with depression or insomnia. But what many people don’t realize is that these symptoms are also common signs of “burnout”, which is defined as “a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, feelings of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment.” Americans are now taking less vacation time because workers are afraid that they will return to a pile of work, feel that nobody else can do their job, and don’t want to be seen as replaceable. What many people don’t realize is that taking time off for a vacation helps avoid burnout and increases productivity on the job.
Vacations are a time for renewal. When we step away from our to do lists, bills and responsibilities, our bodies are able to rest, our brains are able to recharge, and are hearts are able to evaluate why it is we love what we do. This renewal allows us to return back to our daily lives with increased creativity, focus, and health.
Taking a vacation is an investment in your physical and mental health, personal life, and future career. It helps to reduce stress, that can cause medical conditions such as depression, heart disease, and stroke. In addition to health benefits, people who vacation also have better relationships since they take time off to spend with friends and family. They have increased job performance, reaction times, and patience. They are able to focus more, propose creative ideas, and get along better with others.
Taking time to do what you enjoy in life lowers your risk of burnout and increases your happiness in life. When you are happy you are able to achieve anything that you put your mind to. So the next time you are feeling stressed remember to take time for yourself and book that next vacation! Your co-workers, family, and friends will thank you because you will return as the best version of you!
Works Cited:
Bourg Carter, Sherrie. “The Tell Tale Signs of Burnout … Do You Have Them?” Psychology Today. 26 Nov. 2013. Web. 18 Sept. 2015. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane- women/201311/the-tell-tale-signs-burnout-do-you-have-them
“Definition of Stress.” MedicineNet. Web. 18 Sept. 2015. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20104
“The Upside of Downtime.” Project: Time Off. Web. 18 Sept. 2015. http://www.projecttimeoff.com/resources/infographics/americans-need-experience-upside-downtime
Zamora, Dulce. “No Time for Vacation? Why We Skip Vacations and Why We Need Them.” WebMD. Web. 18 Sept. 2015. http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/help-for-the-vacation-deprived?page=
