We often get so caught up in our routines of working, paying bills and going to school that we don’t realize the lack of effort we put into taking time off for ourselves.
Vacations are more than just traveling to a tropical destination to take bikini pictures for Instagram or drinking too many wine coolers – time off and travel rejuvenates a person mentally and physically.
“A number of studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and psychological health benefits,” physiologist Shannon Torberg explained. “People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life and more motivation to achieve goals.”
Students or people in the workforce create a skill over time where we can pile on as much stress as possible while still finishing whatever responsibilities that need to get done. What we don’t see is how that stress takes a toll on our bodies and our mental health.
The buildup of stress can lead to physical complications like weight fluctuation, distressed sleep schedule, high blood pressure and heart disease, according to Torberg. It also plays a major factor in depression, anxiety and decreased self esteem.
Taking vacations and a break from your routine is one of the best stress relievers. It gives a person time to catch up on sleep, clear their head and heal from the physical damage stress causes to a person.
Studies show that the calming effects and levels of satisfaction from a vacation can stick with a person up to five weeks after returning to his or her normal life.
This break away from reality also has been proven to change a person’s overall mood, enhance creativity, boost motivation and improve focus once the person is back in their old routine.
Vacations and time off are important for prioritizing relationships; we often forget to spend time with loved ones because we get too sucked up in our busy routines. Time off work to spend with the people in our lives leads to closer bonds and more satisfactory relationships.
It’s challenging being an adult with strict deadlines, bills and responsibilities. The job is important but the employee is even more important.
It’s okay to allow yourself time to catch your breath and make sure you’re in a good mental state. Whether you are planning a vacation to Disney, or a day off to sleep in and spend time with your friends, taking a break from your schedules and investing time into yourself is only going to help in the long run.
