Vacation days might be more valuable than you think, and not just because of memories.
From reducing stress and increasing longevity to strengthening relationships and improving heart health, taking genuine time away from the office can be one of the best investments in your health.
Why We Are Burning Out
The United States is reportedly one of the “busiest” countries, with a culture that thrives on nonstop hustle and bustle and an often work-addicted lifestyle.
While different schedules accommodate different people, studies show that some form of mental health support and rest is necessary for physical and emotional well-being.
According to Amae Health, focusing on a healthy work-life balance, such as taking vacations or time away from the office, can prevent burnout, manage anxiety and stress levels, boost cognitive performance and focus and foster relationships with yourself and others. Despite the proven benefits, surveys show that 66% of Americans say they don’t have a work-life balance, according to the WorldatWork Total Rewards Association.
Reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans have an average of 11 to 15 paid vacation days after their first year on the job, but often take fewer, compared to a 20-day guarantee for Europeans. Working too hard and avoiding self-care leads to burnout — a state of physical and emotional depletion.
Looming financial pressure and overwhelming work hours can also contribute to feeling hopeless, exhausted or as if one has “hit a wall.”
Why Travel Is Medicine
Taking a break from work — meaning fully separating the mind and body from the job — has been scientifically shown to reduce burnout, stress and negative emotions.
According to Allina Health, vacations are linked to reduced risk of heart disease, increased motivation to achieve goals and an overall better quality of life and outlook. By lowering built-up stress, time off traveling or relaxing on vacation can lower inflammation and blood pressure, improving heart health.
Traveling also brings along healthier habits, such as walking, eating cleaner and socially interacting more with others. Humans are social creatures, meaning they need to have these interactions for proper mental health. Vacations are linked to reduced risk of premature aging and extended lifespans, as time away is associated with reduced stress and lower rates of depression.
Vacations also do more than just offer a break from routine — they can strengthen relationships between families and friends.
As stated by Allina Health, research shows that couples who engage in exciting and challenging activities while traveling carry those benefits home, reporting increased intimacy and relationship satisfaction after returning. For siblings, vacation can also help create space for meaningful connections that day-to-day schedules rarely allow.
Rest Is Investment
If you start to view traveling or time away from the office as a long-term investment in your health, you might become more dedicated to planning and saving for it.
Adjusting your mindset and treating a travel savings account like a healthcare fund — or “health insurance” — can improve your well-being long term. In a way, it is insuring the future of both your physical and mental health.
One thing people can fall victim to is viewing a travel savings account as unimportant, or something to worry about later — but sometimes all it takes is a little motivation to start treating it seriously. Think of it this way: You budget for groceries, gym memberships and doctor’s appointments because they support and maintain your health. Travel deserves to be placed in the same category.
Consistently setting aside money from paychecks, no matter how small the amount is, to a dedicated travel or vacation fund can help you finally make that mental health break happen and also have something to look forward to.
So the next time you sit down to make your budget, consider adding a line for travel, because spending money on a trip has a way of paying you back through long-term health, improved relationships and happiness.
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