"I have 87 unused vacation days."
“I haven’t taken a vacation in four years.”
“Work is too busy for a vacation right now.”
If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone.
People around the country are sacrificing earned vacation time. Vacation time in the U.S. has been on the decline for the past 15 years, but according to Project Time Off, the tides are turning as there becomes and increased movement toward mindfulness and being present with friends and family.
Here are 9 reasons you should never let vacation days go unused.
Better Physical Health
Yes, an ergonomic chair can help your back hold out a little more in front of the computer screen, but stepping away from that fancy chair and relaxing outside in the fresh air can lead to improved physical health.
According to Project Time Off, a vacation can lower your risk of heart disease, fight off colds and keep off unwanted pounds.
Improved Mental Health
If you suffer from anxiety at work, getting away from the environment that induces stress can help improve your mental health.
Weekends are great, but they can be filled with family activities, errands, grocery shopping and meal prep. A longer period of time without the demands of balancing work and life is ideal to improve mental health.
Increased Productivity
Think back to your childhood. Elementary-aged children can’t be productive eight hours a day, five days a week, 365 days per year. They need breaks to remain productive in the classroom.
Recess, P.E., winter break, spring break and summer break are all built into a child’s schedule.
Why don’t adults plan ahead to map out their breaks and stay productive in the workplace? According to Project Time Off, employees who use their vacation time are more productive at work and earn promotions faster than employees who don’t take any time off.
Something to Look Forward to
A calendar with nothing on the horizon is the opposite of motivating.
If you feel stuck in the same routine at home or at work, having a trip planned can give you something to look forward to.
Create your own advent calendar to count down the days until your anticipated getaway.
Better Relationships
Getaways have a positive impact on families and friends.
Busy schedules, homework, working late and phones at the dinner table can all get in the way of relationships.
Sharing new experiences away from normal routines can bring you closer and create lasting bonds.
Change of Scenery
Whether you live by the beach or amidst the bright lights of the city, a change of environment is important.
You can lower your chance of burnout doing new activities and seeing new places.
A Natural High
Just like a fantastic workout at the gym followed by a soak in the hot tub, a vacation can give the same natural high.
You can return home with your energy reserves boosted, feeling recharged and excited to plan your next getaway.
Newer Perspectives
Children’s academic achievement can be enhanced through experiences from a summer family vacation.
Witnessing a Revolutionary War reenactment can be more educational than reading about it from a textbook. Adult travelers can gain perspective of how the world functions outside of their own circle.
Trying a new way to take your tea, finding a new appreciation for modern art and learning how to crush wine grapes are all experiences to broaden a traveler’s mind.
Vacation Happiness is Contagious
If you come back from your vacation with huge smiles and great stories, it will spread organically.
Bringing happiness and positive energy to those around you is a benefit for everyone.
Ready to start planning your well-deserved getaway? Call Hilton Grand Vacations at 877-773-4482 or fill out our online contact form to find a membership package designed just for you.