The importance of vacation

Vacations relieve stress. At one time or another, we may have experienced how destructive chronic stress is to our bodies and minds.

Summer vacations are in full swing but business leaders can be torn between taking well needed time off and worrying about their business while they are away. There is an interesting article on the topic written by Dr. Leigh Vinocur, the Diamond Resorts Vacation Doctor. Here are parts of his Reasons Why Vacations Matter:

Vacations relieve stress. At one time or another, we may have experienced how destructive chronic stress is to our bodies and minds. Getting away from the daily stresses does give one a break and helps us to look at situations differently when we return.

Vacations help maintain focus. Stress can be distracting while working on projects and may cause memory lapses and issues with concentration. Wouldn’t it be nice to get away, feel more energized and upon return ready to tackle almost any task?

Vacations help prevent illness. There is research that finds stress can make you susceptible to numerous issues and increase your chance of infections. Some researchers believe that long-term stress may contribute to cancer and heart disease.

Vacations make you happier. One survey shows that people who take regular vacations were reported to feel extremely happy compared to those who do not. Many reported that the positive effects last beyond the vacation.

Vacations make you more productive at work. Studies indicate that more vacations actually increase company productivity, decreasing the numbers of sick days. Employees feel more creative when they return and more satisfied with their jobs.

Vacations strengthen relationships and create more memories than any other activity. Hopefully you are fortunate to vacation with your family to help forge closer bonds. In fact, Dr. Vinocur’s study shows that people place a higher value on shared experiences with families than material goods saved over the years.

I am taking this advice to heart and enjoying a wonderful vacation with family and friends by the sea. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of an amazing staff and volunteers, we are on track and things will run smoothly in my absence.

I cannot promise to ignore my emails but I will consider this good advice and return refreshed, energized and anxious to get back to work.

My hope is that you, too, will be able to enjoy some well-deserved time off.