Why Taking a Vacation Makes You a More Productive Person

The task-focused part of your brain is almost always in overdrive but by giving it a break, it allows for greater insight. On all things.

For more hacks on how to better your brain, see 10 productivity hacks from startup founders.

It's not quantity over quality, and the secret to being an effective worker doesn't always go hand in hand with someone who is overworked. Vacation allows for better results in the long run because the more productive you are, the happier you are. And the happier you are, you'll not only excel at what you do but also appreciate it that much more.

Employees who return to the office after a vacation are not just more focused but easier to work with. Hell, even a full hour's lunch will leave you feeling better about the day.

For more secrets to improve focus, see why you should start getting to work early.

Ever read the same sentence more than a handful of times and still not get it? That's because you're out of the zone. The brain simply isn't built to concentrate on something too extensively so get up, grab a drink, take a quick walk, and get back to it. You'll be surprised by how easy it is to refocus.

There's something about a vacation that puts romance on the brain and whether things get spicy in the hotel room, or you two simply needed time to focus on each other with no distractions, it's a win-win either way. Get started on your planning with 10 of the sexiest vacation spots.

While travel itself can be stressful, escaping everyday life and doing absolutely nothing or doing nothing that requires too much brain power will make it all worthwhile.

Kind of stress-related but restless and disrupted sleeps often happen from having too much on our minds. By removing yourself from a stressful situation (AKA an all-encompassing work project) and taking some time off allows for the opportunity to reset your sleep pattern and get back on track.

Don't skip on eating a healthy lunch, or snacks, because your nutrition is important and will decide how much work you do for the remaining hours of your work day.

By stepping back, you can make sure you're accomplishing the right things in the right way. When you're constantly immersed in a task, it's easy to get in the weeds but by taking a brief intermission, then returning where you left off is exactly what you need to finish it.

OK, perhaps you don't have the luxury of taking a snoozy timeout but if you can, a 10-30 minute power nap (though if you work from home or in an office with more leeway, try for longer, like an hour) helps with memory and learning abilities. Think about it; you're not only resting your brain but also your eyes and feet.

Related: 20 jobs that you can do from absolutely anywhere.