The benefits of taking a vacation are numerous. It can improve your physical health, your relationships, your job performance, and your overall perspective. Research shows that taking a vacation can boost your mental state and make you feel better prepared to take on life’s challenges. It may be too tempting to skip a vacation, but the health benefits far outweigh any negative consequences. Here are seven of the most important reasons to plan a vacation. Read on to discover the health benefits of vacationing.
In English-speaking countries, a vacation is a short, pleasure trip, often abroad. The term “holiday” is used in Commonwealth countries to describe a period of absence from work. In Canada, vacation and holiday are often used interchangeably. A holiday may refer to an extended period of vacation, such as a sabbatical. But whatever you call it, a vacation is a time for you to relax and enjoy.
The average cost of a vacation varies by destination, duration, and mode of travel. It is estimated that nearly 2% of all U.S. households spend money on vacations. But while costs may vary widely, there is one constant: Americans spend more than half of their vacation budget on air travel. Most vacationers spend about 80% of their money on eating out. This includes $6 per day on self-prepared meals. On the other hand, international travelers spend an average of $35 per day on food.
Many companies that offer unlimited vacation time acknowledge that their employees may have other interests outside of work. By allowing their employees to take as much time as they want to pursue these interests, unlimited vacation policies demonstrate trust and put the responsibility for timely completion on the employees. The benefits of this policy can boost morale by helping employees feel more confident in their ability to take care of themselves outside of work. But there are also risks involved. As with any benefit, the benefits of unlimited vacation time far outweigh the downsides.
Those who take regular vacations have higher well-being scores than those who don’t. Vacations improve physical complaints, quality of sleep, and mood three days after the trip. And the gains continued five weeks after the vacation. These benefits were particularly evident among those who spent more time with their partners and had a higher level of overall satisfaction. Thus, it’s no wonder that vacations are beneficial for the health of relationships. It may help explain why couples spend time together and why they remain so committed to their relationships.
In addition to the financial benefits of vacation, the time to spend with family and friends is important for millennials and others who work long hours. Despite the advantages, however, millennials are also the most time-constrained generation in terms of being chained to their desks. It’s no wonder that they feel compelled to take more time off. A vacation is a rare opportunity to reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.
