You Can’t Afford Not to Take a Vacation

As reported on Forbes.com, if this economy has you feeling stressed, financially strained or in need of a break, it’s not that you just want a vacation, you really need one! Giving your mind a body a time to rest and re-charge does wonders not only for your physical well being, it also helps you perform daily routines and jobs better once you return.

Patricia Gerbarg, M.D. and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College says, "Vacations are important. People are constantly surrounded by demands, constantly adding stress, so our stress response is overactive." Gerbarg, who also co-authored the book "How to Use Herbs, Nutrients and Yoga in Mental Health Care", is referring to the balance in our body between the sympathetic part of the nervous systems, which give us those fight-or-flight responses and keep us alert, and the parasympathetic, which allow us to rest. By changing your environment or routine, the latter can be restored.

Unfortunately Expedia reports that about one-third of employed adults (34 percent) usually do not take all of the vacation days they receive each year. And, interestingly, another statistic shows that 34 percent of adults who do take a vacation claim they feel better about their job and are more productive when they return.

So, how can you make sure a vacation is part of your future? You don’t have to plan something elaborate to get the rest and relaxation you need. Think about a vacation in your own town, or a destination that’s just a few hour drive so you are out of your normal routine, but, not paying too much for gas to get there. Maybe you have some previous frequent flyer miles built up for a longer distance adventure? In this economy, it pays to be creative. It’s doesn’t have to be the vacation of your dreams to be relaxing and restorative. The most important thing is that it reduces your stress, not adds to it.

And, for those who are budget conscious, and who isn’t these days, take a look at timeshare rentals. Renting directly from a timeshare owner can really save you money when you travel, and with resorts available worldwide, you’re sure to find just what you are looking for. With your health and well being as stake, you can’t afford not to take a vacation.
2 Responses
  1. Anonymous Says:

    Great article. The only "pro" I can see about owning a timeshare is that it basically Forces you to take a vacation. But renting one is so much cheaper, and you still get all of the benefits. You just have to make sure you take that vacation.

  2. Anonymous Says:

    Just the title of this article is great. It's too bad we Americans (unlike Europe)are so stressed we can't give ourselves permission to relax.

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