The Benefits of a Break

Last week we celebrated the Fourth of July. In the Northeast, it was fabulous weather and I am sure there were many barbeques, picnics and family and friend gatherings. An article in the Boston Globe referred to July Fourth as a “happy holiday” in contrast to Memorial Day and Labor Day which represent more somber or more serious commemorations.  I feel that all holidays should provide an opportunity to recharge and share fun with others and to not think about work or other stresses in life.

Speaking about recharging and summer, this is a prime time to try to fit in either a breather from our normal day to day routines, or a complete vacation if you are able. True vacations from work are so important because they ward off burnout, promote creativity, recharge our batteries, and overall improve quality of life.  According to Susan Krause Whitbourne, PH.D., in a recent Psychology Today article on the importance of vacation, chronic stress takes a toll on everything from our resistance to infection, sleep, our ability to ward off injuries and certainly our mental state. Taking a break from the stress of life can break the cycle at least for a while. 

Not all of us have the luxury to get away from it all but if you do, try to unplug and detach from work email and Smart Phones. Dr Krause says that if you are a person who dreads going back to work and having to plow through thousands of emails, look at your work email for 10-15 minutes a day and then shut down.  If you are unable to take a total vacation away somewhere, a stay-cation at home can be restorative if you plan day trips and step out of your normal routine.  Even a long weekend can help re-charge your batteries whether it is home or away with the goal of trying to disconnect from work either completely or as much as possible.  Planning fun activities that you enjoy in advance can help keep you from straying from the goal of having a true break. There are many resources on the internet to help plan local trips such as The New England Vacation Guide.

If you are in a management position try to encourage your employees to take time off, even for a few days since in the long run the company will be rewarded by having employees coming back with renewed energy and focus. Finally, vacation doesn’t have to be the time to totally blow the diet and healthy eating habits. Take a look at Healthy Destinations and see what you can do to control the waistline and enjoy the fun!

Here’s to a good summer and hoping you can take a break!!