3 Reasons you really need to take your vacation days. Like, now.
Seriously, guys. Just do it.
The world is getting smaller every day. And also, it would seem, are the minutes in a day. For many Americans, the increasingly stressful demands of every day life means that something as crucial to one’s emotional and physical wellbeing as vacation, often takes a back seat.
Look: here at Moodica we we know that people work too much — we see it every day on our social media feeds. And we definitely know that we’re one of the worst in the world when it comes to balancing work and play. (Trust us: our Facebook friend in Switzerland posting photos enjoying his fourth week’s vacation of the year makes it hard to forget.)
But the good news is: a record breaking number of Americans traveled abroad in 2016. And not just to our friends to the north and south, Canada and Mexico, but travel to Asia saw a sharp incline, and the 2016 Olympics helped make Brazil another go-to destination.
This is really good news. So is the fact that in 2016, after a solid 15 year decline in the number of vacation days Americans used in the workplace, there was another uptick: average days went from 16.2 to…16.8. This is a pittance compared with Japan’s 25, the UK’s 28, Australia’s 23, and Germany’s 35. But, hey, at least it’s something.
The fact remains: Americans still left almost 700 million vacation days unused. To make that number even more weighty, that equates to some $60 BILLION in off-time pay that is forfeited. Why?
According to the website Project Time Off, “workers cite returning to a mountain of work (37% in 2016 vs. 40% in 2014) as the greatest challenge, followed by no one else can do the job (35% vs. 30%) and cannot afford a vacation (33% vs. 30%).”
Guys? Really. Just stop it and take your darn vacation days.
Look, we’re not saying you need to head to the Maldives for a month (although…yasssssss), but visiting a nearby state, a small road trip, or even a good old fashioned stay-cation is infinitely better for your mind, spirit and body than denying yourself.
Here are three ways you’re hurting yourself by not taking those vacation days:
#1. Guess what? Vacations are good for your health.
It’s a point of record that re-connecting with nature by getting out of the house and into the elements helps lower stress levels, is a great therapy for those dealing with depression, and according to some studies, can even help lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Oh, and guess what: not only are you happier after taking a vacation, but adult men who don’t are 30% more likely to suffer a heart attack.
#2. You’re being waaaaaaay too self-absorbed.
Sorry, scrolling through your Facebook feed does not mean you’re in touch with the world. Some people might default to a “work is good” therefore “vacation is selfish” but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only is time off good for your health (your personal wellbeing is never selfish, FYI), but it’s good for everyone else around you: it means quality time with your significant other, your children, family, old friends, and everyone else that is neglected every time you “need to work late.”
#3. You’re sabotaging your own work performance.
In 2008, a study showed that people working over 40 hours a week demonstrated lower levels of cognitive function. Why? Because your brain needs a rest, just like your body does. If you absolutely feel you cannot or should not take a vacation out of the city/state/country, then perhaps spend a few days re-invigorating your body and soul: yoga, walks in the park, or even taking a course in a creative/active pursuit like painting or skiing is an incredibly productive way to spend your much-deserved off-time.
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