As school districts close down the 18-19 school year, I’m reminded of the joy I felt as a kid on the last day of school. The euphoria of knowing I had the whole summer to do whatever I wanted. Weeks of independence, sunshine and no schedules to follow!
It’s easy to forget those feelings as an adult with our heavy workloads, commitments, and stresses of life, but that doesn’t lessen the need for downtime. We all need to step away from our heavy schedules and hit the pause button.
According to 2018 research in the US, 51% of Americans did not take all of their vacation time and 21% “left” more than five vacation days on the table. Many stated they were worried about falling behind in their work, others indicated concerns such as losing their edge competitively in the job site, especially when it involved the potential for a promotion.
Vacations are important and provide multiple benefits:
- Reduction of stress
- Increase of productivity at work
- Fostering creativity
- Improving relationships
- Improving focus
- Allowing us the opportunity to digitally detox
Vacations allow us to explore new places, engage in adventures, spend time with family and friends and unplug. Imagine a calmer, energized, refocused self! Take your vacation time this year and enjoy the freedom of summer days. Where will you go?
Written by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, green.308@osu.edu
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20180828/take-a-vacation-your-heart-will-thank-you#1
Live Healthy Live Well 
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