By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
When was the last time you stepped away from work and fully disconnected?
Not a quick weekend or a half-day off, but a true vacation with time to relax, recharge, and enjoy life outside of emails and meetings.
A recent review of dozens of studies confirms what many of us already feel…and that is taking a vacation helps you feel better, think more clearly, and return to work with renewed energy!
Recently published research found that people experience a noticeable boost in well-being while on vacation. Even more encouraging, those benefits tend to stick around after returning to work, especially when the time away is long enough to allow for real rest. While there is often a slight dip once work resumes, people still feel better than they did before they left.
Physical activity on your vacation
In addition to where you vacation, what you do on vacation matters too. People benefit the most when they are physically active, mentally detached from work, and free to choose how they spend their time. Whether it is hiking, reading, or spending time with family, the key is doing what helps you feel relaxed and restored.
Unfortunately, many people continue to leave vacation days unused, pushing through stress and exhaustion without taking time to recover. This approach can wear you down, leading to burnout, poor sleep, and declining health over time.
If you are feeling drained or overwhelmed, the solution might be simpler than you think. Take the break. Step away. Give yourself permission to rest. Your mind, your mood, and your overall health will thank you for it.
Article’s Source
Grant, Ryan S., Beth E. Buchanan, and Kristen M. Shockley. “I need a vacation: A meta-analysis of vacation and employee well-being.” Journal of Applied Psychology (2025).
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