Time off is good for you! Here's some reasons why...

In our fast-paced world today, it seems like we are always on the go, running from one task to another. We are constantly glued to our devices, checking work emails and notifications even when we are not supposed to be working. The pressure to be productive and achieve our goals is ever-present. However, as we chase after our dreams, often we forget the importance of taking breaks and getting some time off - a chance to disconnect from our busy lives and take care of our mental wellbeing. With kids starting to break for the summer, and officially flipping the calendar into the summer season, we felt it’d be a good time to remind you (and all of us as well, take why taking a little time off is actually a very VERY good thing to do

 

Helps Reduce Stress

Taking time off helps reduce stress and anxiety, two of the most significant mental health problems. Continuous work without breaks often leads to burnout, making it difficult to concentrate and perform well. When we take time off, we give ourselves a chance to disconnect, de-stress, and recharge. A break allows you to have some fun and indulge in activities that you love, thereby promoting a feeling of contentment and happiness.  A less stressed you is always a better you.

 

Enhances Creativity

Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced some form of this.  Sometimes, when we are too immersed in our work, we may experience a creative block. This block inhibits our ability to think outside the box and find new ideas or solutions. Taking time off helps us maintain a fresh perspective and improves our creativity. It gives our brain the much-needed rest and support to generate innovative ideas, ideas that we may not have thought of previously.  I’ve even heard of people who come up with their best ideas while sitting by the swimming pool after a few days of decompressing.

 

Promotes Better Relationships

When we allow ourselves to take breaks, we give ourselves the opportunity to spend more time with our loved ones, friends, or family. We can plan family trips, go out for meals, or engage in recreational activities. These activities help promote better relationships and increase our social support networks.

 

Improves Overall Wellbeing

Taking time off can improve our overall wellbeing in multiple ways. It helps us rest and recover from our busy lives, which, in turn, reduces the chances of developing chronic stress. Also, when we take time off, we get an opportunity to focus on healthy habits like eating, exercizing, and sleeping well. All of these promote better mental and physical health, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.

 

Boosts Productivity

Lastly, taking time off boosts productivity. Continuously working without breaks puts your cognitive abilities at risk. Taking some time off, on the other hand, can help refresh and recharge your brain, thereby enhancing productivity and focus. A rebooted mind can work at optimal levels and achieve much more.

 

Improve Sleep Routine

Many people struggle with their sleep routine due to the stress of work, deadlines, and responsibilities. Taking a vacation can help improve your sleep routine by allowing you to relax, disconnect, and get back on track. Furthermore, healthy sleep habits are essential for maintaining good mental health and physical health.

 

Promote Happiness

Lastly, taking a vacation can promote happiness. It's an opportunity to do things you enjoy, explore new places, and create fond memories. The happiness you feel during and after a vacation can have a long-lasting impact on your mental health and wellbeing, making it a worthy investment in yourself.

 

The old adage of asking yourself if you are “living to work; or working to live” is a great litmus test to do a little self-reflection to truly understand what’s important.  We’ve all been guilty of “living to work” that we forget about the true value that time away plays in our lives - both professionally and personally.  The reality is, time off is crucial for our mental health. We need to make it a priority and be intentional about taking breaks from our busy lives. From reducing stress and anxiety to enhancing creativity and productivity, taking time off has a wide range of benefits. So, plan that next holiday, spend some time with your loved ones, spend that extra hour sitting in an open field, indulge in new hobbies, but most importantly, take some time off. Your mind and body will thank you for it.