We live in a stressful world. Individuals and technology are constantly vying for our attention. We’ve become so accessible that it’s difficult to unplug. If you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner, or in the corporate world, you may feel that you’re always working. Finding work – life – balance can be challenging. If boundaries are not set and balance is not maintained, it can lead to serious mental and physical health problems.
I subscribe to Marie Forleo’s newsletter. If you’re unfamiliar with Marie Forleo, she is an entrepreneur, writer, and philanthropist. She’s the author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Everything is Figureoutable.” In her recent newsletter, she mentioned that she and her team were on their annual company summer break, with no meetings and no email. She described,
“That first year, it was SCARY to shut down for a full two weeks. I had the same feelings as you:
Guilt over taking time off and not being available 24/7
Fear that I’d miss an opportunity or let down a client
Stress about having to “make-up for lost time” later
Self-doubt that taking time off meant I was lazy or uncommitted
But here’s the thing… If we want anything to change — within our lives, our businesses, or our society — we have to take action and lead the way.”
This really resonated with me. It’s easy for me to work all the time. I’m a small business owner with a strong work ethic. My years in the retail and sales world, created the mindset, if I’m not doing income producing activity, I’m not making money. This may be true, however, there’s WAY more to life than work. If you’re reading this, and are experiencing the same feelings as Marie describes, it’s time to go on vacation!!
Vacation is important for many reasons…
1) Vacation makes people happier. Happier people tend to be healthier and lead more productive lives.
2) Vacation reduces stress. Stress, if not properly managed, can lead to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, certain types of cancer, and emotional problems. Therefore, vacation can improve your health.
3) Vacation provides you with an opportunity to connect with family and friends.
4) Vacation provides the opportunity to travel to destinations you’ve never been before.
5) Studies show that vacation can actually improve your productivity, by allowing you to recharge and refocus.
6) Vacation improves mindset by providing an opportunity to relax and let go of negative stress factors. When we’re on vacation, we’re more inclined to be fully present. It’s easier to let go of what we can’t control. When we’re rested, we make better choices and are happier.
You can get the same benefits from a staycation or a destination-cation. The key is to fully disconnect. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken time off, it may be time to plan your next vacation. You’ll be glad you did!
