It’s Time for a Vacation

Did you know in the United Kingdom, the paid vacation days allotted to the average worker are a whopping 28? And, it might surprise you to know the United States has ZERO mandated vacation days. According to CNN, this puts us in company with Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Tonga. Even China has five mandated paid vacation days.

One-fourth of all Americans get no paid vacation days. If you’re lucky enough to work for a kind-hearted employer, you’ll get an average of ten days. Here’s the strange thing. It’s startling to know 54% of workers in the US do not use the days they’ve earned, says CNN in the same report.

Everybody’s on Vacation

If your social media feed is any indication, everyone is on vacation but you. And they are fabulous, exotic vacations. Take heart and remember the statistics. Most of us are denying ourselves any significant breaks from the fast pace of our work environments.
Well, apparently, we do this at risk to our own health. Studies now show vacations are a necessary part of life and can have a positive effect on your wellbeing.

I’m Too Busy!

Some people worry no one will be able to do their job while they’re gone. Some fret that someone WILL do their job while they’re gone. This feeling of “too busy” and “too much to do” are apparently not global concerns. We will work to the point of exhaustion, both mentally and physically, and sometimes push ourselves a little beyond that.

The Working Vacation

Okay, so let’s say you’re lucky enough to have vacation days, and you’re agreeable to taking them. Will you take your laptop, tablet, cell phone? The moment of truth comes… can you actually untether yourself from work? Or, will you answer calls from the office, read emails in your spare time, and take a video call or two?

Real Health Benefits of Vacations

Productivity Improvement

Taking a well-needed break from the stress of working all the time will actually improve your productivity. You will work smarter and get more done after taking time for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Sleep Better

Many work habits can be destructive to your sleep cycle. This can affect your overall health. If you are having a hard time sleeping, try to cut back on your work in the evening, or better still, take your vacation.

Links to Heart Disease

Did you know people who take vacations are less likely to suffer a heart attack? This is true for men and women alike, so pay attention to these statistics. Taking time off is not a luxury… it’s a necessity which is crucial for your long-term health.

Reduce Your Stress

Unchecked stress can affect so many of the body’s organs and systems. Taking time off and going away on vacation will help to reset your stress meters. You may find yourself with less headaches, backaches, and other complaints after you’ve had a chance to get away.

Family Life

Remember those trips you took during Summer vacation when you were growing up? They are an essential part of childhood memories. Spend some time with the family and make memories with your kids. I heard someone point out you basically have 18 summers with your child. How many do you have left?

This Week’s Challenge

The challenge this week is to evaluate the time you have available and to plan to improve yourself by recharging your batteries on vacation, even if it’s an overnighter with no job pressures. Plan it, do it… and notice how it makes you feel more determined to pursue your vision and get those great results you’ve been working towards!

Shaffer Ingenuity has the tools and systems to take your business and career to the top!
Schedule your FREE consultation today!
Shaffer Ingenuity can help you find what really drives you and provide you the tools to achieve those goals!

Quote of the Week

“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.” – Earl Wilson