Chances are you left some vacation days on the books last year. Well, here’s a reason to take all your time off this year – it’s crucial to your well-being. A study from the University of Georgia found that taking a vacation offers even greater boosts to your well-being than we once believed, with the benefits lasting for weeks after you return.
However, to get the most out of these benefits, it's crucial to completely unplug from work during your break – no checking emails or quick catch-up communications. You need to mentally detach from work. Also, researchers found that how you vacation matters. Turns out engaging in physical activities like swimming and hiking during your vacation offers more positive benefits than just lounging in a chair.
Also, the more time off you can take, the better. Researchers found that longer vacations led to bigger improvement in well-being. They also recommend “buffer days” before and after the trip – days before to pack and get ready without stress, and days when you get back to help ease the transition back into your work schedule.