The Benefits of Taking Time Off

COVID-19 took a financial and mental health toll on millions of Americans. First, there was the lockdown, then the unknown and followed by many life-altering restrictions. Wearing a mask and social distancing became the norm. Who has been thinking long and hard about The Benefits of Taking Time Off after everything that we've been through in the last two years?

With uncertainty surrounding every family, people sheltered in place to protect their loved ones. The good news is all signs now point to an end to the critical stages of the pandemic.

Taking a family vacation is just what the doctor ordered to put the past two years behind you and there are several benefits that come with taking time off. 

The Benefits of Taking Time Off

Just Get Away

You may not be ready for an international flight for some time. However, vacationing within the states works. Places such as the Hotel Cascada in New Mexico, provide a safe environment to kick back and let loose. This family-friendly hotel has over 160 attractions in a 6-mile radius and 600 plus restaurants within a 3-mile radius.

You’ll have access to a hot air balloon ride, indoor and outdoor water parks, a ghost tour and Breaking Bad tours, to name a few. If you prefer total rest and relaxation, hang poolside, enjoy room service and a select comfort bed to sleep in. 

Stress Relief

When you take time off you release bottled stress and anxiety. This helps enhance your overall performance at work and home. You have more patience during an otherwise stressful situation. Holding onto excessive stress can disrupt sleep or even prevent you from falling asleep. While on vacation you give your mind a break. By the second or third day, the hectic lifestyle drifts away.  

Improved Physical/Mental Health

Time off gives your body and mind a well-earned rest. A stressful job with no escape puts you at increased risk for developing serious health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease.

Vacations that help you relax result in the reduction of potentially harmful hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. The lack of commitment to work and a focus on fun, provide a distraction that allows you to relax, unwind and restore inner peace. 

Restore Energy

Day in and day out, the same routine gets old and boring. It’s not only predictable, it becomes a habit. There’s no excitement thus pushing energy levels to new lows.

However, after you take a vacation, you come home with restored energy similar to that when you complete an intense workout. You have tolerance, patience and focus. You get things done that you put off for months on the home front. At the office, your relaxed and energized state of mind helps propel productivity. 

Lose Weight

Working non-stop without taking time off can lead to obesity caused by stress and poor eating habits. Many Americans live with this illness every day. They eat out often and consume foods high in bad fats, salt and sugar.

When you take time off, there's a chance you'll feel better than you have for a number of years. Since there’s no need to consume food in seconds, you can dine and enjoy fine, healthy cuisine or prepare home-cooked meals.  

Get in Shape

In general, vacations reduce stress and increase your level of physical activity. Many people enjoy long walks, bike riding and swimming. Taking time off also benefits you at home.

It frees up time you can better utilize to work out or simply take a brisk walk prior to work or after dinner.  

Improve Focus

When you work too hard for too long you can run into a brick wall. New thoughts become infrequent, you lose focus and can have a short fuse. When you take a break and enjoy quality downtime, your mind releases stress and lets you relax.

Without an abundance of thoughts consuming your mind, you regain focus and high levels of energy.

Taking time off is essential for every human to sustain good health. Take a week or two off annually. Allow your mind and body to relax and unwind so they continue to perform well.