Even though North American work ethic is not as extreme as Japanese, we're still not taking as much vacation as our European neighbors. And yet vacation has sooooo many benefits that it should be easy to choose it over karoshi (a Japanese term for death by overwork).

Because the vacation season has begun and COVID restrictions lessened, it's good to remind ourselves why taking some time off is soo beneficial.

Even if this season you stay within your region instead of traveling abroad, you can still reap all the below benefits of vacation.

Our Stress Levels Go Down

Let's be real, the recent few months have been quite stressful for most of us for different reasons. Our bodies and minds have been impacted even if you've been dealing with the situation like a pro.

The research shows that when removed from the typical day to day environments that may cause stress, we tend to relax faster. Our stress hormone levels go down, and with that, the symptoms, such as headaches, backaches, or other pains lessen or go away. Our bodies have time to heal and repair.

We Sleep Better.

Thanks to stress reduction, we began to sleep better. No wonder we get to really REST on vacation. We end up having less on our minds keeping us up at night and experiencing longer sleep with fewer interruptions.

Physical Health – improved!

I don't know about you, but I love to be active during vacation. Definitely more active than usual. Whether it's hiking or sightseeing, swimming, or just playing more with kids. Along with stress reduction, that's definitely one of the reasons why taking vacation significantly lowers your risk of heart disease.

We Gain More Mental Power

Vacation provides us with ample opportunity to Taking Time to Think. As we recharge, this lets our creative brain flourish, and new ideas come out. Less stress, more time outside breathing the fresh air, sun, and just having fun - all these things act as a power booster for our cognitive abilities. And then, when it's time to come back, we actually become more focused and productive during the business work time.

Vacation Strengthens Relationships

This one is a no brainer. Whether you're traveling with your partner only, friends, or the whole family, the relaxed fun time you have during vacation creates memories. Can you recall the last memories you have form one?

That's one of my favorite reasons for taking a vacation. Even if it's a staycation, it can become the most focused quality time you spend with your loved ones.

Vacation Makes You Happier

Did you know that even planning your vacation brings happiness? I know how excited I am when we do as a family. My trick to overcome January/ February Canadian winter blues is to plan summer vacation during that time. Booking camping, planning other trips, and talking about it as a family creates lots of excitement and joy.

Having vacation planned also gives you an additional thing to look forward to (outside of all the fantastic things you have planned for your business 😊!).

And then when the time comes, and you are present in the moment … Yes! How amazing is that?

So when are you taking your next vacation?
It’s not only good for you but also for your business.

Mine is starting now … I'm already packed and ready to create new fantastic memories with my family and embrace all ideas that come to mind during the Thinking Time. 😊