More than half of Americans didn’t take a vacation last year. How about you? So many people talk about going on a vacation, but don’t actually go and their health and work suffers because of it. Vacations are critical for resetting the body and mind. Because we’re able to relax and rejuvenate, taking time away helps us focus better when we’re back at work. If time and money are holding you back from taking a vacation there are creative ways to fit one in. Read further to learn why you need a vacation!
Why Don’t People Take Vacations?
Vacations are a hot topic when it comes to health and wellness in America so there are a lot of statistics on the subject. The reasons people give as to why they haven’t taken a vacation are pretty indicative of a nationwide culture that looks down on vacations.
– 61% say they fear being replaced at their job
– 38% are being work martyrs in attempts to get a promotion
– Women are more likely to say vacations are important to them but men actually take them more!
– Women especially worry about not coming across as committed to the job or feel guilty if they take vacation in addition to maternity leave
Other common reasons for not taking vacation are:
– No coverage – not enough employees or someone’s already on maternity leave
– Coming back to an insane amount of work
– Worried about safety, don’t like stress of travel
– Don’t want to be away from kids or routine ”
– No money
– Worried about pets
Creative Vacation Solutions
The ideal vacation length is 8 days. That’s a long enough time to allow the body to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. A vacation longer than 8 days has no additional benefit, although it doesn’t hurt! The best vacations allow for some disconnect from technology, noise, and busyness. So, if your “vacations” typically consist of a weekend on the Las Vegas strip, aim for a relaxing week-long getaway next time.
If you’re struggling with barriers to vacationing, here are some ways anyone can squeeze in some much-needed down-time:
The Work-Cation
For those who work the type of job where they constantly put out fires or need to be accessible 24/7, try a work-cation. This is where you can work a little from a phone or laptop computer if needed. It can also be a great option for those who worry about money for vacation. If they have the ability to work out of town, they can still feel refreshed and not lose as much productive time. Since this type of vacation usually involves Wi-Fi, try to find somewhere out in nature around where you stay, like a hike outside the city.
The Stay-Cation
A great option for those without a lot of time or money. Some of the best ideas for stay-cations are camping, road trips, and visiting national parks. Remember, people come to visit the U.S. from all over the world because there are tons of things to see and do here. A vacation doesn’t require a passport. Did you know there are more than 400 national parks in the U.S.? And only 19% of Americans have seen more than 5! That is crazy! Get out and explore.
Vacation with Pets
A lot of people miss out on vacations because they don’t want to leave their pets alone, but these days technology has made it easier than ever to accommodate our fur-babies. There are apps, like Bring Fido, that showcase pet friendly hotels, restaurants, parks and more so you can plan ahead for them. If it’s better to leave them home, but you want to make sure they’re taken care of, you can always try a pet-sitting app like Rover to find the best boarding or in-home care.
Why You Need a Vacation
In addition to stress management, there are many other ways vacations have a positive impact on our health. Heart health is key, especially for women. Ladies who don’t take vacations are 50% more likely to have a heart attack, while men are 30% more likely. In addition to keeping the heart strong, vacations reduce depression, anxiety, and can help break addictions to technology. All of the computers and phones we use today are hard on our eyes, brain and skin. Our muscles can be tight and knotted up due to working in certain positions all day, so relaxing muscles is another benefit.
Travel Tips to Reduce Stress
Vacations are supposed to be about relaxing, but the truth is that travelling can be stressful. Some people avoid taking a vacation due to the sheer hassle of traveling. Don’t let those worries stop you! Instead, be ultra-prepared with some of my best travel tips:
Plan ahead of time – 6 to 8 or 12 months – takes stress of last-minute planning away
TSA pre-check – global or domestic option lets you skip the main security line for 5 years!
Natural herbs (holy basil, ashwagandha, l-theanine) to chill yourself out on the plane
Noise-cancelling headphones – a lifesaver if there’s a crying child
Bring an eye cover, neck pillow, and blanket to stay comfy and try to sleep
To avoid jet lag, fast on the plane – don’t eat until the next morning; also helps with gas and bloat
Pack electrolyte drink powder mix – helps you feel more alert and prevents cramps
Pack light (especially you ladies!!)
Don’t Miss Your Next Vacation!
Vacations are good for the mind, body, and soul. Studies show they’re good for your work, too! Vacations are a time to slow down and reset so you can return to work rested, focused, and in a better mood. Even if you can’t take a full 8-day vacation out of town, try getting away for the weekend, taking a road trip, or taking your work on the road via laptop. No more excuses. If you’ve always dreamed about taking a vacation but have never gone, start planning today and make it happen!
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