Are you a person that puts “Take a vacation” as the last thing on your to-do list? Would you like to enjoy a few days of pampering and relaxation, but you don’t have enough money or time or (insert any other excuse here)?
Although running away from reality and having a little bit of fun may seem like a luxury, it is actually a necessity. In fact, it is just as important as those semi-annual dental visits and yearly exams. Don’t believe me?
Here are five solid reasons that taking a vacation should be a priority for you:
Reason #1: It’s good for your mental health
When your life becomes all about work and obligations, your attitude suffers. You start to dread every day because there’s nothing to look forward to – and it starts to show to those around you.
Maybe you are normally positive, yet you’re finding it harder and harder to smile. Or, perhaps you generally have nothing but kind words for other people, yet lately you’ve noticed that you prefer being quiet over trying to come up with conversation that is pleasant, but purely fake.
Well, life isn’t always about being productive and getting things done. Yes, there are some things that you simply have to take care of, but getting away and having fun needs to be a priority as well.
After all, the best days are when you’re creating memories and that is awful hard to do that when you’re walking around with a scowl on your face as you mark things off your eternally evolving to-do list.
Taking a break from life helps renew your soul and improve your outlook. You give your mind a much needed reality release and engage it in new and different things.
Sometimes that is just enough to help you break out of your “life is no fun anymore” rut that you’ve been in.
Reason #2: It’s good for your physical health
Not only does a vacation rejuvenate your mind, but it also helps liven up your body. This is true whether you plan a nice and relaxing holiday, or some time away doing activities that get your blood pumping.
For example, if your time off consists of doing nothing more than reading some of the books you’ve been wanting to read or spending time in the spa, then it gives your body time to slow down and relax.
However, if you like vacations full of rock climbing, hang gliding and zip lining, then that is good for your body too. When you challenge it in new and different areas, it often responds with a big internal smile that you can feel right down to your core.
Reason #3: They reduce stress
This is probably the number one reason that most people want to get away. Life feels too heavy at home and work and they just want to go where there are no cares or worries. After all, that is what a vacation is about, isn’t it?
If you suffer from stress headaches, muscle aches and allover body tension, a vacation can do you wonders. Plus, you have to let the anxiety and frustration out of your body at regular intervals or you could end up with some very negative health consequences, such as heart issues.
The key is to not worry about the office or your home while you’re gone. Just live in the moment and let the negative emotions leave your body as you enjoy life without a care in the world.
Reason #4: They promote stronger family bonds
Of course, there are tons of jokes about the “joy” of going away with the husband you fight with and the kids who stay buried in their iPods and iPads, but that isn’t how it has to be. Vacations can actually strengthen the family bond, as long as you structure them to do just that.
Go someplace that has activities centered around the entire family. The more you can do and enjoy together as a group, the closer you’ll become.
If your children are a little older (and trustworthy), let them stay in a hotel by themselves one night as you and your honey go do something just the two of you. Maybe you could go see a live band in a local pub or take in a show – rekindle some of that passion.
You’re not going to be able to do this if your children are younger, but maybe you can take a vacation close to other family members so they can get some precious time with your youngsters and you can get some much needed time alone.
Reason #5: You deserve it
This is the reason that most women forget. You don’t need a good reason to take a vacation, other than the fact that you deserve one. You work hard keeping the house up, making sure the kids are taken care of and juggling work in the process.
You spend sleepless nights when others in your home are sick and you spend long days attending work meetings and tending to the house. You have earned the right to walk away from it all for a couple of days and let someone else pamper you for a change.
You don’t have to fly half-way across the world and spend a million dollars to achieve this goal either. You could certainly benefit just as much from spending a night at a hotel in the next town over.
The change of scenery is what matters. But, you could always go all out and enjoy a complete day in their spa, treating yourself to facials, manicures, pedicures and massages first. No doubt you’d feel better after having someone cater to your every whim for a day or so.
You put your heart and soul into your life and it’s necessary that you rejuvenate them both every now and again. If you don’t, you’re not going to have as much to give. So, if you feel guilty about taking a vacation, remember this: You have to be 100% for yourself or you’re not going to be 100% for anyone else.
There. See. Your taking of a vacation is good for everyone else. Now, will you schedule one?
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