Why Its Important to Take Vacations From Work - The Muse

Why Its Important to Take Vacations From Work - The MuseWhy Its Important to Take Vacations From Work Ah, vacation. Its a beautiful thing, whether your definition of it is traveling to some exotic locale or staying put and exploring spots in your hometown. It doesnt matter if you prefer stay-cating, going abroad, or taking a road trip complete with a tent and camping gear. Breaking from work and taking a breather can be done in a variety of ways. Its no surprise then that what people state as their reasons for going on vacation vary, but with a similar common theme. Time away from work- and everything that goes with it, from emails to to-do lists to drafting proposals and attending meetings- is essential to your well-being. Although it may seem like Im stating the obvious- after all, who doesnt love a little RR?- the fact that many people dont take vacations from work, instead leaving precious unused time on the table tells me one thing Its necessary for a healthy reminder about why you should absolutely take time to recharge. The following Musers stories ought to be enough to convince you to put in a request for time off stat.1. It Encourages CreativityIm at my most creative when Im exploring, so vacation gives me a chance to think big, outrageous thoughts and play around with my most experimental ideas. When I come back, bedrngnis only do I feel refreshed, but Ive often made some sort of breakthrough in the rest of my work or life. Kathryn Minshew, Founder CEO2. It Helps Prevent BurnoutI take vacation for many reasons. I worry about burning out- not just in terms of declining in productivity, but in terms of enjoying my job and the people around me. If I catch myself sniping at someone because Im in a bad mood, or feeling exhausted on a regular basis, or not looking forward to going to work (even though I do enjoy my work), I know its time to unplug. Alyse Kalish, Editor3. It Makes it Easier to Gain PerspectiveI enjoy vacation to recalibrate. Its easy to get plugged into the daily routine and forget about all the life that exists outside of it. By traveling, exploring, and adventuring I refresh my understanding that theres a lot of right ways to live and feel charged knowing that theres not one way to do it. Oh, I also like to have a good tan, too. Dan Ratner, Account Executive4. It Encourages Quality Time With Loved OnesI take vacation for a few different reasons. 1) To spend more time with family and other loved ones, 2) to de-stress (hard for me to do actually) and stop thinking about work, and 3) for short vacations (e.g., one day here or there) where Im attending to family or personal responsibilities. For longer vacations- I want the experience (via travel) to go to places I have not been and that I believe will ideally both enrich my life and strengthen my family bonds and friendship bonds (depending on whom I go with). Sometimes, Im just worn out and want to sleep in for a day or feel like I can go the gym anytime I want and no t have to get there before 6 AM. Adi Dehejia, CFO5. It Gives You Something to Look Forward ToLifes short, so I think its necessary to put aside time to have fun and see the world Plus, I enjoy having something to look forward to. Jimmy Okuszka, Content Associate6. It Makes it Possible to Connect With YourselfTheres nothing quite like traveling alone in a new country. Youre responsible for having fun. Youre responsible for meeting new people. Youre responsible for making it memorable. It shocks the system into creating new friends, connecting with other people, and expanding your horizons. Most importantly, I feel like it really helps create innerhalb peace of mind/confidence in yourself.Dan Kelske, Enterprise Account ManagerThe variety of these responses should tell you one thing You dont need a formulated reason to break from work and enjoy your life outside the office. You also dont need to take a set amount of time, though if youre curious about how to take a long vacation, I enc ourage you to read this. Its all about how I personally pulled off a three-week stress-free vacation.Spoiler I did that by planning ahead and using this free worksheet.Now, what are you waiting for? Look at your calendar and see when youre going to take off and go on that vacation that you deserve.