The importance of vacation and taking time off

I’m watching a friend slowly dissolve in their continual need to work 14 hour days, seven days a week. Not only are they unpleasant to be around at times, they are plain and simply miserable. The more productive they think they are being, by working every minute of the day and night they possibly could, they are becoming less productive. Mistakes increase and any type of true perspective of the situation is lost.

With this being the official start of the summer season, today’s a good reminder to take breaks, use vacation time, and get away from things for a while.

In Europe, where vacations are practically a religion, workers have on average 20 days of paid leave, compared to Americans who have 12. Interestingly, half of Americans don’t take their full vacation. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap, as people with chronic conditions are already dealing with stress on their bodies. Whether you are living with a specific condition, or are a caregiver, you more than anyone else needs time off.

The health impacts of living such a life are enormous. They can lead to all types of health issues, since the body is being kept in a continual stressful situation. Interestingly, the Framingham Heart Study, found that in 12,000 men who were at risk of heart disease and were followed over nine years, those that took vacations had increased life expectancy.

I can just hear my friend say, “but if I go away, there will just be more for me to do when I get back.” That may or may not be true. Having a break from the daily grind can give you new insight and boost creativity to say nothing of what it does to your body by relieving stress.

Another comment my friend is apt to make is, “I take time off and in a few days I’m so crazy again it’s as if I never went away.” While that may be true, think of it like sleep. It’s essential for your body and well being, but a good night’s sleep doesn’t preclude being tired the next day and needing to sleep the next night.

Many people can’t afford to take a vacation and go somewhere. However, it’s important to take the time off and staycation, vacation at home.

If you are a caregiver, you may feel that vacations are beyond your ability. Consider the following from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) Vacations can help caregivers get back on track. While small breaks and relief from daily routines are important, they fall short of the revitalizing effect of a longer respite. The result of a vacation is not just getting away; it is a ticket for caregivers to change their focus, interact meaningfully with others and improve their own emotional health. To answer all those questions caregivers have, such as “No one takes care of them the way I do,” AFA has some good answers and suggestions.

Don't postpone fun and enjoyment.