As we head into the 4th of July holiday weekend in the US, let’s reflect on the importance of vacation for mental and physical health. You’ll be a better employee and leader if you refresh yourself. These three articles demonstrate the value of vacation. So, get inspired and head for the beach or the lake or a cool city. Vacation is good for you!
Vacation keeps you healty
Leveraging science, Sheila McLear discusses the importance of vacation to your health in “The Biggest Reason Why You Should Actually Take Your Vacation Days This Summer“. She cites research that shows that taking vacation lowers your risk for metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can lead to high blood pressure, sugar issues and cardio vascular issues. Going on vacation is like preventative medicine!
On vacation you can find magic away from technology
Ann Todhunter Brode wrote a 2018 article at Thrive Global called “A Real Vacation” that recommends slowing down to rejuvenate. The word vacation actually comes from a Latin word meaning to be exempt of be free.
In this modern world, being free includes freeing yourself from technology.
Find the magic in the simplicity of the moment. Observe the face of a person you love, feel your heart beat, hear the crickets, be in the flow.
Ann Todhunter Bodhe
Experience awe and reap the benefits
Use your vacation to explore a new place or try a new activity. Be inspired and find awe in the the world around you. Research shows the benefits of awe as cited by Greater Good Science (UC Berkeley’s online scientific publication).
In their article Eight Reasons Why Awe Makes Your Life Better, Greater Good Science shows that awe can improve mood and boost life satisfaction. The research also links awe to better health due to lower levels of inflammation. See! This is more proof that vacation is good for your health.
Awe can also inspire positive feelings such as connecting to your community, appreciating time and being humble. In addition to affecting your feelings, awe can also sharpen your critical thinking skills.
These three articles show that vacation can make you healthier and expand your world with magic and awe. Unplug and get refreshed. You will come back to the job better for it.
