Taking a Vacation (For my Health)
Personal disclosure---I am one of the world’s worst vacationers. I struggle to leave my work and my responsibilities behind. It’s been like this for many years. My wife, early on in our marriage and before the internet was so prevalent, had to get me on a cruise to completely “unplug.” It’s probably not a secret to anyone. And I struggle with the concept.
However, I’m about ready to go on vacation--- for the first in three years. It isn’t that I haven’t had “PTO” or “couldn’t”…I simply just “didn’t.” And it’s good for me. Beyond the critical importance of spending uninterrupted time with my wife and children and the benefits that provides, it turns out that being better at getting away actually has physical outcomes.
When we go on vacation, as the New York Times reported, we lessen our risk for coronary heart disease and heart attacks
Our mental health improves as neuroscientist have found that constant exposure to stress can alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety or depression
People who return from vacation are more focused and productive. Taking time off can be that “tune-up” to the “mental engine” so it runs better.
Those who take vacation more regularly decrease burn-out because they’re able to overcome being overworked and over stressed
And finally, research shows those who take vacations on a regular basis are just simply happier. They have an elevated mood both before and after their time away.
While I’m gone, I want to think about these things and enjoy the best parts of my life. In the end, those are the real legacies that are important….plus the time in good health to enjoy the ones I love so much.
