Six Health Benefits
of Taking a Vacation

Americans do not take enough vacations and there is a bigger price to pay than just dollars. There are six health benefits of taking vacations that you and your boss should know about.

Health Benefits of Taking a Vacation:

1. Improved Happiness. Planned time off is associated with increased happiness.  In fact, a Dutch study found that happiness surrounding a vacation starts long before the trip does and effect of vacation anticipation increased happiness for up to eight weeks.

2. Reduced Stress. In addition to happiness, research shows that a well managed vacation can lead to reduced stress.

3. Improved Well Being. According to researchers, taking a vacation is associated with a decrease in heart disease.

4. Better Mental Health. A study that examined leisure as a coping mechanism found vacations can reduce depression.

5. Increased Productivity.  Managers believe that time off from work leads to increased employee productivity, stronger workplace morale, and even greater employee retention.

6. Improved Performance. In an internal study by accounting firm Ernst & Young, for each additional 10 hours of vacation time employees took, their end-of-year performance ratings from supervisors by eight percent.

Infographic by Quill

Unfortunately, U.S. employees only use 51 percent of their eligible paid vacation time and paid time off and when they do pack their bags and head out on a trip, 61 percent work while on vacation (despite complaints from family members).

So why do we leave paid time off on the table? We fear returning to a ton of work, worry no one else can do our job while we’re gone, can’t financially afford to go away, and don’t want to be seen as replaceable. Now you've seen the research why vacations are good for us. Taking time off can improve happiness, well-being, mental health, relationships, and productivity and reduce stress. So get online and plan your vacation today.