The benefits of Vacations
Winter is behind us and although the warm weather seems to be eluding us for the moment, the long days are an undeniable sign that summer is here. My past postings have been full of information regarding stress, what causes it and how to manage it well. In this posting I will continue with that theme and focus on vacations. Yes it turns out that taking vacations is beneficial to your mental health, in fact there is research to suggest that not taking vacation time has adverse consequences.
"We concluded that skipping vacations could actually be dangerous to your health," said Brooks Gump, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at Oswego and one of the co-authors of a study that examined the effects of vacations on individual health. "Vacations have a protective effect because they help you reduce your load of stress, or at least allow you to take a break from the everyday stressors of the workplace."
A State University of New York survey found that men who took annual vacations reduced their risk of death by 20 percent. Men who didn’t take any vacations in five years had the highest death rate and incidence of heart disease than any other men surveyed. A study by Wisconsin Medical Journal found that women who took frequent vacations were less likely to become depressed, tense, or tired. Women who rarely took vacations were likelier to have stress at home and sleep less.
Stressed-out men and women are more prone to engage in risky behaviors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. At the same time, people under pressure are less likely to participate in leisure activities or get adequate amounts of sleep and exercise. Vacations, the researchers note, can counteract these risk factors, even if just temporarily. On vacation people tend to pack in more hours of sleep and exercise, as well as spend more time with family and friends--all of which are good for your overall health.
Despite the evidence to a 2006 survey by Harris Interaction and Expedia, 36 percent of workers don’t plan to use all their paid vacation days, and 37 percent never take more than a week off at a time.
Here are some hints for how plan for a vacation:
· Create a vacation fund
Put money into a vacation fund every time you get your paycheck. For a $2000 vacation, you only need to set aside just $77 dollars each paycheck (if you get paid twice a month).
· Let your boss coworkers and patients know early
Aside from being nice and giving your employer time to make staffing changes, and patietns an opportunity to prepare, telling everyone makes your vacation concrete.
· Don’t ask, declare it.
You know the classic aphorism: better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Instead of: “Hey everyone, I’m thinking of going on vacation October 1-15th, is that a good time?”
Say: “Hey everyone, I’ll be taking a vacation and will be in Buenos Aires between October 1–15th. Let’s work together on making sure everything is taken care of before I leave.”
· Book your flights and hotels early
Yes, you’ll get cheaper rates. But since you’ve sunk money into it, you’re fully committed now. This makes it harder for you and your boss to delay or reschedule your vacation.
· Pack light
With Airlines charging additional fees for checked in luggage it is worth while to pack everything into a carry-on, even for long two-week trips. For the rare moment you forget something, you can pick it up quickly at a store once you arrive.
· Leave your Cranberry at home
The same goes for your laptop and cellphone. You’re not really on vacation if you’re on a leash.
· Wear headphones
Who can afford the quiet comfort of first class these days? Chances are, you’ll be in coach next to a noisy baby or talky grandmother. Make your flight more enjoyable and bring noise-cancelling headphones.
· Don’t plan every minute
Vacations shouldn’t be about stress. So don’t plan everything to the minute. Make a general schedule and a list of what you want to see and do. If you don’t get to it all, it’s another reason to go on vacation again.
· Don’t cut your vacation short
If work calls and asks you to come home early for an “emergency.” Don’t. Most emergencies aren’t emergencies, and by saying no, you empower others to handle difficult situations without you. If you really can’t get out of it, use your return to negotiate for additional vacation days even if you are the one to negotiate with.
