If you're among the population of folks that checks work email while on vacation, reads reports instead of magazines on the beach, and texts reminders to colleagues from the holiday dinner table, then this blog is for you.
Hard work, dedication, accessibility, and attention to details will help you analyze, create, and execute your way through a successful career. However, all work and no play won't help you live longer or healthier.
The drive to succeed at work isn't an uncommon one, but the need to put a successful professional life ahead of a healthy personal one is largely all American. Back in May 2003, Hara Estroff Marano reported in Psychology Today that Americans work 100 more hours per year than the Japanese and up to three more months a year than Europeans. And, according to the article, "Why Your Brain Needs a Break," Americans are the only workers in the world who don't get mandated paid vacation leave.
There's good reason to pull your nose away from the grindstone. In the 2011 article, "Why Your Brain Needs a Vacation," CNN reported that removing your brain and your body from your work environment allows you to re-approach your work with a fresh perspective. An idea for that campaign you've been struggling to create or update may occur to you or become much clearer after a much-needed vacation. The further away from work you get--literally--the more your perspective improves. Can't afford a vacation overseas? You can still gain the benefits of a vacation simply by immersing yourself in a new environment and paying attention to new things.
To really maximize the happiness benefits of a vacation, you need to plan your vacation in advance, not on a whim. According to Tara Parker-Pope in a 2010 New York Times blog, researchers in the Netherlands found that the simple act of planning and anticipating a vacation did more to boost individuals' happiness than the vacation itself. And, taking multiple shorter vacations instead of one long one helps make the good times last throughout the year.
So go ahead : enjoy your end-of-year holiday activities. Spend a relaxing evening in the company of family and friends. Get out and enjoy a neglected activity or pastime. Then, make sure you make plans to use your hard-earned vacation time in 2013.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
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