People all over the world are working more hours and taking less time off, bringing on various mental and physical health challenges. When work is overwhelming and your work-life balance feels out of whack, it’s time to ask yourself, “Should I go on vacation?” Taking a vacation offers many health benefits, but there are many factors that prevent people from taking a break.

Work Stress.jpg — For example, redundancy and lean staffing make it difficult for people doing the work to get away. Also, fears that taking a vacation will make you appear less committed than your coworkers. Studies have shown that taking time away from your job, workplace and home can have impacting physical and mental health benefits. People who take frequent holidays have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve their goals. After reading that, if you still need convincing on why a Villa Retreat would be good for you, here is a list of some of the additional benefits of taking time away from work.

Improved physical health

Stress and anxiety can contribute greatly to heart diseases and high blood pressure. Taking a vacation every two years compared to every six will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks.

Improved mental health

Neuroscientists have found that chronic exposure to stress can actually alter your brain structure and bring on anxiety and depression. When you take a vacation, feelings of calm arise and relieve stress, which allows the body and mind to heal in ways that it couldn't if it were still under pressure.

Greater well-being

According to a study, people who made it a priority to take time for regular trips, and after only three days, encountered less physical ailments, a better quality of sleep, and their mood had improved substantially compared to that before their vacation. These gains are often still present five weeks later, especially in cases where individuals had more personal time and overall satisfaction during their vacation.

Increased mental motivation

Many who return from vacation are more focused and productive in the workplace, as well as in life in general. Studies have found that chronic stress can make it difficult to achieve certain tasks and cause memory problems. Taking time off can be like getting a tune-up for the brain, improving your mental health and cognition.

Happy family.jpg — **Improved family relationships**

Spending time enjoying life with your loved ones can keep relationships strong. A study showed that women who took vacations more often were more satisfied with their marriages and family overall.

Decreased burnout

Employees who take regular time to relax are less likely to experience burnout, making them more creative and productive than their overworked, under-rested counterparts. Another way to manage burnout is to address your mental, physical and spiritual needs before committing to responsibilities benefitting others outside of your immediate family.

Boosted happiness

Planning a vacation can boost your happiness. Some people experience an elevated mood for up to eight weeks before a trip.

The bottom line is, you need to go on holiday as often as you can. When you take time away from the stresses of work and daily life, it can only improve your physical and mental health, motivation, relationships, job performance and perspective on life. A vacation can help you feel more refreshed and more prepared to handle whatever may be waiting for you upon your return.