We all know that taking a holiday is good for you and in today’s fast-paced chaotic world, it is so easy to get caught up in the ruckus of everyday life. Gee, we are already in April with Easter, let alone Christmas feeling like it was years ago. It is so easy to feel burnt out in today’s crazy society, so taking a vacation and actually unplugging from work has never been more important.
A holiday is often overlooked, and I am not sure why, but taking a vacation or time out is so important as it will recharge and refresh you ready to get cracking at work again and be your best. Maybe you and your team have been hesitant to take a vacation over the last 12 months because you’re too busy at work, so it is important to fully understand its benefits and encourage your team members to plan time off. Whether they spend their holiday (long or short) lounging by a pool sipping cocktails or doing something more active and adventurous like hiking or skiing, or even doing a holiday focusing on mind, body and soul, they will all have their benefits.
So let’s delve into why holidays are not just a luxury but a necessity for us all to be more successful and productive in our jobs.
Good for the mind
First up would be the “Mind”. Taking a holiday provides a greater opportunity for rest and better sleep which can then help unclutter your mind. This then allows you on your return to think more clearly, consciencely, and creatively. On a larger scale, it can also help provide an opportunity for big picture or innovative ideas to emerge.
Reset your sleep patterns
As you know work can often cause “sleep deprivation” as you might be an over-thinker about the why/how/what or if. Research says lack of sleep can often result in negative moods, frustration and irritability. A holiday can completely reset your sleep patterns and in turn, improve your moods and cognition. It often means you return to work more focused, productive, and with a clearer idea of what needs to be done.
If your mind is rested then you are happy, and I find planning a holiday improves my mood!!
Reduces stress levels
The next part, I feel, that is affected by not taking holidays is the body. Work pressure can increase stress levels and in turn, have a nasty effect on your immune system. It is proven that relaxing on holiday and doing what you enjoy most reduces these stress levels and makes you less prone to sickness. If you let this get out of control it can even lead to more nasty outcomes like heart disease or high/low blood pressure. Believe me, no one wants to be off sick, so again taking that holiday actually makes you healthier and far more productive on your return.
Good for the body
Depending on how you spend your time while on holiday, there are also additional physical benefits. First – being in nature has the effect of reducing your heart rate and blood pressure. Getting a massage is also a great way to relax and the physical benefits are improving flexibility, immune systems, and inflammation. Engaging in physical activities like hiking, skiing or swimming, can improve heart and neurological health, while building stronger bones, and muscles and improving balance, which at my age is all very important!!
Good for the soul
The final piece of the puzzle of why holidays are good for you and make us more productive in the workforce is they are good for the soul. Holidays can have a profound impact on a deeper more spiritual level. Here I am talking about “external noise or chatter” A holiday allows us to tune into our true selves. If you are a manager, you can let go of the responsibility that you have every day and disengage. This is what I describe as getting into “my happy place” a place where you can let go of those daily pressures and feel a sense of peace. Mine is Whistler in Canada. I am totally at peace in this place. When I come back to work, I am focused and “plugged-in”, full of new ideas and rearing to go! Naturally the ‘happy place’ will be different for everyone. It has to be a place that brings you joy and where you feel at peace.
I also believe taking a holiday prompts you to ask yourself some of those big questions that have been lurking in the background – tapping into your inner voice and asking – “What’s important to me”? Or “What do I really want”? The answers are far more likely to come when we are at peace and on holiday rather than rushing around at work like a madman.
When we bring our genuine self back to work, we are more likely to shed our protective facades such as wasting energy or hiding our inadequacies, which then means we focus more on the work at hand. I think this also points us in the direction of focusing on the work that is more meaningful to us, which I think can lead to more career opportunities.
So are holidays a necessity?
In my humble opinion, the bottom line is that employees will benefit mentally, physically, and spiritually from you taking that vacation. From an employer’s point of view – making sure your staff regularly take time off will help in creating a healthier and happier workplace.
ALICIA SUMICH
Group Manager – Business Development
Alicia is a seasoned Recruitment Consultant with over 15 years’ experience in the Brisbane market. Having dealt with a diversified range of clients she has expertise in helping employers build “best in class” talent acquisition and talent management capabilities to attract, engage and retain high performing staff.