Give Stress a Vacation

"Stress is the trash of modern life - we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life."

~Danzae Pace

"Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but by inventing some imaginary letters along the way."

~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You

Stress in everyday life and especially at work is on the rise. Stress is a state where an individual tends to lose his or her balance, mentally or physically.

At work, it is usually caused by having the feeling of having too much to do. Rushing to attend meetings or having a packed schedule often result in stress. While some stress might be necessary for you to function at your best, too much of it will take a mental and physical toll.

Hence, learning a few measures on how to deal effectively with stress is extremely important. And perhaps the best (and most enjoyable, but expensive!) way to reduce stress is to give yourself a vacation. After all, what could work better to beat stress than taking yourself completely away from the source of it? If taking a long vacation (and staying away from work for weeks) seems too stressful to think about, try taking several short vacations in a year.

How does it help?

Research conducted in 2006 threw up the following statistics:

• Middle-aged men who skip vacation for five years increase their risk of heart attack by 30%.
• In the United States, 32% of paid vacation time is spent in non-vacation activities.
• 30% of people work during their vacation.

Besides dramatically easing stress and thus cutting the risk of heart disease, a vacation helps a person to recharge, and renew optimism about life. Unwinding over a couple of days helps to overcome depression (if any), and acquire a positive attitude towards life, family and work. And definitely, it cures health problems caused by stress faster!

~ Going on vacation with loved ones also strengthens bonds. Relationships, either at work or at home, often deteriorate due to stress. Spending enjoyable moments with family and friends can help you rediscover your personal relationships, and invariably rubs off on your professional relationships as well.

~ Various research studies also say that taking a vacation can boost subsequent performance on the job. Productivity works hand in hand with time off. A relaxed walk on the seashore with your loved ones or a trek with your friends may help renew your energy. You will surely feel better equipped to take on new challenges once you are back at work.

In the U.S., most workers don't take any vacation. However, this fact brought no joy to the people in the executive suites who noted that companies lost a significant amount in productivity as a result of worker burnout.

Europeans have adopted a vacation philosophy for ages, mandating a minimum of four to five weeks of vacation a year. Conversely, Americans are known to be workaholics! However, a combination of the American work ethic and the European mind-set would be best. ... so if your vacation is due, start planning today! Nevertheless, make sure your trip is not crammed with nonstop activity that leaves you feeling far from rejuvenated.

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