10 Scientific Reasons You Need A Vacation

Many of us live to work, not work to live. And while it may not be what we want, it’s just become a way of life. We’re a workaholic, go-go-go culture, wired to believe that the more we work, the farther ahead we’ll get in our careers. But we need to change our habits and way of thinking. Because it’s not doing us any good.

Instead of letting your vacation days go to waste, book that flight and get away. Or make it a staycation and just not work. We know, it’s hard to unshackle yourself from your desk for a week. But science is telling you to relax and take a break. And you need to listen to science.

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1 / 10

Do your body good

You're not sleeping well, your mind is constantly going, your body is starting to ache, you're susceptible to colds and viruses. That's the stress talking, and the more you ignore it the worse it's going to get. Our bodies need time to renew and restore so a significant break will have you ready to come back to work even stronger.

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Do your brain good

If you're struggling with even the simplest of tasks, it's because your brain is simply overloaded and overworked. Give your head some time off and upon your return, processing new information, and conquering mundane, day-to-day things, will be much easier. You'll be solving problems and being more creative in no time.

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Make deeper emotional connections

Whether you're taking a vacation with family or friends, there's something about being away from home with little distraction that can work wonders. The happy memories you make, the connections and bonds you'll forge will bring you closer together and allow you to appreciate one another more.

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You’ll sleep better

Those restless nights and disrupted sleeps stem from too much going on. And a fitful night's rest leads to less focused days and an overall decreased quality of life. A vacation is the perfect thing to disrupt those nighttime habits and give you a chance to reset your sleep pattern.

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Stop undervaluing your time

If you keep hoarding your vacation days but fail to use them, you're basically working for free. You're better than that.

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Provide a new perspective

Taking time away allows you to reflect, think, maybe set some new goals. And by immersing yourself in another culture, it can provide you with new ideas to bring back to work.

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Bosses return more focused

The pressures of work can lead to many a cancelled vacation, because breaking away from work is tough. But if you're an executive, a vacation is exactly what's needed for you to come back as a more focused, creative, happier leader, making the future of a company better in the long run.

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You’ll exercise more

Think of all the walking, swimming and playing on the beach you could be doing. Or maybe your gym membership has gone unused because you never have time, so what's more convenient than a fitness room in your hotel? All the physical activity and vitamin D from the sun will do your body, and brain, wonders. Just try to reel it in at the buffet.

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Even short vacays will do

Sometimes gearing up to take a week off can be challenging, preparing co-workers to cover your duties, getting stuff out of the way before you leave, eliminating the piles of assignments on your desk before you set off. So why not make some long weekends happen? Because who doesn't love short work weeks? You can still get your work done, have something to look forward to, and feel refreshed upon your return. Mini breaks spread throughout the year rather than one giant vacation can be just as magical. Maybe more so.

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You’ll be better at your job

You'll be more productive upon your return, it's as simple as that. A holiday is exactly the recharge everyone needs to increase performance and reaction time and maybe the time away will make you realize just how much you love what you do.