Why should you go tell your boss that you NEED to take a vacation right now? Because vacations promote creativity, productivity, rest and relaxation and can improve your performance at work. C’mon now…your boss just can’t say no to that!
According to a Careerbuilder survey, more than half of workers say they work under a great deal of stress, and 77 percent say they feel burned out on the job. Research shows that it takes up to three days to relax when you go on vacation and longer vacations (seven days or more) are associated with better psychological outcomes than shorter vacations. Good thing I am starting a much needed seven day vacation right now!!
More points to have in your back pocket when convincing your boss you need a vacation…..not only does going on a vacation provide you with wonderful benefits, it provides your co-workers with opportunities they normally would not have. If you are anything like me, you find it so hard to step away because of the desire to be needed, to answer client questions and to do a great job. Well…you might be surprised at how smoothly things run when you leave! Taking a vacation allows your co-workers and employees to step up and show what great employees they are. As long as you help them succeed as much as possible by preparing before you go and passing over everything that you think of. Also, trust that your employees will get the job done right and don’t check in every minute.
Now to another problem that I am guilty of….56 percent of the work force does not take advantage of all their vacation time. This so sums me up! I have way too much vacation time because I can’t find the time to get away from the office. Why is it just so darn hard to step away but when you are away it just feels so good and you never want to go back?
One last tip! The WSJ says that you shouldn’t work right up until the moment you leave and head back to work right off the plane. If possible, schedule an extra day off before you depart and another when you come back to dive back in slowly. Oops…too late for me, I will be running from the office to the plane and the plane to the office. Next time I swear I will not do this (but I also tell that to myself every time I go on a vacation…)
“For a lot of workaholics, work alleviates anxiety, and when you are not working, the anxiety bubbles up,” says Dr. Robinson, a Professor at North Carolina. I think I am one of those people that likes the adrenaline rush from stress which makes me gravitate towards high pressure jobs. I also feel guilty when I go away. BUT, there comes a time when we just have to get over it and relax because we will be more successful in the long run if we just take a break.
So for these next few days while I am relaxing here in the land of 10,000 lakes…
…I will do my best to ignore my phone, laptop and desire to check in for “just a minute.” Do you find it hard to take a vacation from work or your long list of responsibilities?
About Anna Runyan
Oh, enjoy the time out.
We vacation and I enjoy it, but I also love to come home.
I tend to bring my writing with me. Over the course of 2 weeks I tend to take notes and if I'm lucky I finish a chapter. But when we get home I'm thrilled with the little bit of progress and feel refreshed.
Love reading your posts.
AWESOME! My husband needs to read this post.
Great post. One thing I've had to learn is to be "in the moment" so to speak. I used to fret about wanting a break while I was working and then when I was off I would fret about going back to work. It's better for me now because I know that if I'm on vacation I'M ON VACATION, nothing else. If I'm at work, I'm giving it 100% while I'm there…separating the two has made me more "productive" in each!
Have a fun trip!!
Enjoy your time away! And yes, I am one of the guilty ones who does not always take her vacation days because I feel like I can't step away. I am working on balancing those feelings!
Great post! I love all those statistics. I'm a SAHM, and everything in your post applies to my business! I need a vacation!
I'm a new follower. I found you on Pour Your Heart Out.
amen! i am about to take off on a well deserved sabbatical. the non profit i work for gives us a 3 month sabbatical after 7 years on staff. i was supposed to take it last summer, but made excuses. this summer, i'm doing it! i took a month in dec-jan, and 2 months starting this weekend! first stop – the beach in mexico. i cannot wait! hopefully i will come back to work refreshed and rejuvenated.
I just thought I would let you know this post inspired me to write mine today. I sent you some link love.
It was nice be able to realte to the working girls still! <3
I need a vacation. I sure hope you are enjoying yours.
Stopped over from SITS to say hi and welcome.
Years ago I was "too busy" to take a vacation. Then I realized no matter what the show will go on. So, now I go on vacation and take my watch off!
Welcome to SITS! It's great to have a new SITSer.
AMEN! I'm on vacation in three weeks, and I can't wait! Whoo hoo!
I came by to welcome you to SITS! We’re happy to have you with us!
Oo have fun on your holiday and good luck ignoring all those distractions!
I like your blog. You have very many interesting posts, and write with intelligence and clarity. It is a sophisticated blog.
Very nice, and nice to meet you.