Think you can’t afford to take a vacation this year? You may not be able NOT to afford to. Whether a stay-cation or a trip to some exotic location, you need to give yourself the gift that keeps on giving – real time to regenerate away from work.
Vacations alleviate job stress and burnout. That’s why smart employers offer them as a benefit. When you consider that chronic stress takes a toll on the body’s ability to resist infections, maintain vital functions and even the ability to avoid injuries, a vacation becomes more than a wish, it is a necessity. Unchecked stress increases the likelihood that you will get sick; your sleep suffers and even your digestion takes a beating. Mentally, the effects are just as harmful. Not only are you irritable and depressed, your anxiety levels increase and your chances of depression also climb.
Taking a vacation shouldn’t cause you MORE stress than not taking one. However, that’s often the case. Women tend check out of the daily grind to get away with dreams of relaxation, rejuvenation, and a fresh outlook. The reality is their vacations are usually so hectic that they need to get back to work to relax.
Vacations can quickly become overwhelming when you try to cram too much into too little time. Case in point, Disney World may be on every kid’s list of dream vacations, but does every family vacation need to include packaged thrills? How about renting a cottage or camping on a lake with friends or relatives? Take time to enjoy nature. Swim, fish, play board games, look at the stars. Relax—that’s what vacation is really about.
Don’t turn your vacation into a financial stressor either. If you are still trying to pay off one vacation while booking your next one, you need to back up and rethink your getaway. Perhaps instead of flying to a distant place and paying for a hotel, you could stay home and visit near-by attractions? Eat out at restaurants you’ve always wanted to try. Hike in the nature preserve or ride bikes on the municipal trails. Take the kids to the water-park on a weekday.
According to David Ballard, Director of the American Psychological Association’s Center for Organizational Excellence. A good vacation (or stay-cation) must:
- Provide relief from doing or thinking about work.
- Provide time to relax. Twelve cities in 10 days probably doesn’t leave enough time for reading a good book, taking a long stroll, or enjoying your favorite music.
- Offer activities you find stimulating that are unrelated to work.
- Include a chance to catch up on sleep — the kind you wake up from and actually feel rested.
You can do that at home or away, if you plan it right. Whether you vacation or stay-cation this year, the key is to schedule some time, make a plan, and disconnect. Take time off from your devices, and only check your smartphone during short, pre-set times, or not at all! Try a week without TV. It may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but you’ll be amazed by how quickly you adapt and start to enjoy it. And most importantly, relax! Whether on a beach or in a lounge chair in your back yard, take a break, your health and well-being depend on it!