Why You Need an Unplugged Vacation

Take a moment and think about the last vacation you had.

For those of you who said, “Vacation? What vacation?” you’re not alone. The adult population of the U.S. has some of the lowest amounts of vacation days in the world. In fact, in 2019, The Center for Economic and Policy Research released a study calling the U.S. the “No Vacation Nation.”

Although an increased focus on employee well-being and mental health has led to more companies offering significant PTO and vacation allowances, we still feel unable to unplug for two weeks—especially if you’re a business owner.

Many of us fall victim to the ‘Hustle Fallacy,’ a widespread belief that if we work harder and put in more hours, we can get ahead. However, research shows that this is far from the truth. In fact, the more hours you work in a week, the less productive you are.

The Hustle Fallacy instills a fear of taking time away from work. You worry you’ll miss important meetings, fall behind on your goals, or even be looked down upon by your team. However, there’s a reason why this is known as a ‘fallacy.’ Working consistently with no vacation time reduces your output, negatively affects your relationships, increases stress, and can be detrimental to your health.

What if we told you that an unplugged vacation could boost your brain, improve your physical health, connect you with your loved ones, and help you achieve your goals? If you need a reason to take a break this summer, read on:

Reason 1: Mental Rejuvenation

Your brain is a muscle that needs its rest. The Journal of Positive Psychology found that taking a vacation has similar effects on the brain as meditative exercises. Vacations are associated with high levels of well-being and increased mindfulness. Likewise, while on vacation you’re more likely to sleep better, which boosts your brain power.

Taking a break from your daily routine is also proven to supercharge creativity. Playwright Lin Manuel Miranda famously devised the concept of Hamilton while on vacation, and Ernest Hemingway wrote several of his most popular novels following trips overseas. A change of scenery not only invigorates your mind but also allows you to discover a different perspective on life.

Reason 2: Improved Physical Health

Relaxing doesn’t just enrich your mental health, but can also have a positive physical impact. A recent study found that taking regular vacations could help reduce several health issues, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels. These are all contributing factors to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Research over nine years followed 12,000 middle-aged men at high risk for heart disease. The study found that those who took more yearly vacations were less likely to die from heart attacks and related cardiovascular problems.

Reason 3: A Time to Connect

In today’s busy world, we have to be intentional about our time. A vacation offers some of the best opportunities to connect with your family and friends. Think of it this way: You’re taking time off from work but gaining precious moments with your loved ones. Vacations will create memories and strengthen relationships in a way that can’t be replicated in your day-to-day life.

Reason 4: Remembering Your Why

For many of us, taking a vacation is one of our annual goals. Your time off is a celebration of your hard work and dedication to your business or company. As you sit underneath the stars while camping in Yellowstone Park or exploring Disneyland with your young kids, you can take a moment to appreciate how you got there. And, when you get back to work, the memories of your vacation will drive you forward to achieve the next goal and remember why you are striving to achieve more.