Why Vacations Are Important

Why Vacations Are Necessary

Summer vacations are time for rest and relaxation, time to recharge. They are a time to disconnect from your work world.

Honestly, I had never taken more than a week’s vacation out of the office. As I learned from many of my peers in other countries and other parts of the world, I realized that I had it wrong. Heading off for summer holidays and a long vacation is a great tradition and experience.  I have now learned that it takes me about two weeks to completely unwind. The first week, I am still mentally in the office. In the second week, I finally start to relax, the anxiety goes away and by the end of the second week, I am finding myself ready to head back to work, recharged. It is a good thing. It is a very good thing.

So, why are vacations important? I thought I would share what I recently learned on my most recent vacation after two weeks out of the office.

It Takes Time To Break Habits. Have A Plan

I think a good vacation, like a good magazine, offers a lot of variety. I usually combine different aspects of work, fun and play with the conventional expectations of running a household full of kids, expectations and responsibilities. Typically, we have travel to see family, new places, create new experiences and also be planful about our lists of things we need to accomplish. Remember the leaky faucet eventually needs to be fixed.  Honestly, sitting at home is an environment that I don’t trust myself to stay away from email and the urge of checking in. Also, while I also love physical exercise of good yard work, building things (built a new deck for the cabin) and also some downtime laughing, thinking and white space. Just like any habit, it takes discipline and planning and its been great to build great habits and new experiences. Remember, vacations are important.

The Team Got & Organization Got Stronger

In today’s business environment, everyone is replaceable and business goes on whether or not you are there are not. Welcome to a digital world of email, instant messaging and video conferencing. The other thing I quickly realized is that the team and organization got stronger.  I am part of a great team today, one of the best I have ever been apart of, but without me, they learned to think differently, act differently and make decisions. They became better, more empowered leaders and we are a stronger organization because of me not being there.  It also forced the question, was I involved in too many decisions, was I critical path to often and actually slowing down the organization? This is an opportunity to re-focus as I come back to work next week.

There Are Health Benefits. I Focused On Being My Best Self

There are several health benefits of taking time off and vacations are key to this. A recent article from ABC news observes “most people have better life perspective and are more motivated after a vacation’. Francine Lederer highlights the impact of breaks of mental health are ‘profound’ for your well-being.  One of my favorite books is the Energy Project, by Tony Schwartz. He talks about all types of energy required to be your best self, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Remember, vacations are important. Remember, vacations are necessary to be our best self.

The reality is that I knew I was tired and it was time to step away, recharge and focus on all types of energy rejuvenation.  I realized that taking a long, two week vacation was vital to refilling all of these and I found ways to focus on each during my time off – read a book, time to reflect and journal and physical exercise.  A good reminder to use all my vacation time each year and more importantly use it in the right way. Remember, vacations are important.

I Was Fully Present At Home & With My Family

I realized that I have been missing out in all types of conversations at home. Sadly, I was not engaged with my kids and it had an effect in all of my relationships. Unfortunately, I was not fully present in any of the conversations, not in the moment when the moment required it and over the two weeks off, not only did my mood change, I was less tired, more engaged with my kids and spouse and I began to notice I was more relaxed during dinner and later evenings. Remember, vacations are important.  

I was used to moving from activity to activity quickly (e.g. eating dinner was a 15 minute event), instead I found myself lingering, hanging around, enjoying the moment and making time for myself in whatever activity I was involved in. It was definitely different.

Improved My Mental Health. Yes, The Guilt Goes Away

First of all, unplugging while I am on vacation has always been a struggle. I couldn’t turn off the drug (a stimulus for me) that comes with work. Physically, I was on vacation and not in the office, but I was constantly reading email, checking in on key deliverables. I was a mess and most times I went back to the office only slightly better than when I left. Remember, vacations are important.

Over the last several years, I have drastically cut back the amount of communication with the office when I am on vacation. I can’t say I have gone ‘cold turkey’ but there are limits.  Also, realized that it is important that I take time for mental health and now ask myself key questions –  what do I need to do for myself? what does the family need from me? and/or what is it I need to take care of?

The reality is that our family makes a lot of sacrifices for my career. I would like to say I have earned a well deserved vacation because I work hard, but so do they. They deserve the best me!

So have you thought about your next vacation?

Remember that life is a game never won or lost, only played.