With summer upon us, it is vacation time for many. People are packing up the minivan and heading off to the beach, the mountains, or just grandma’s house. Others are boarding planes for islands or to meet cruise ships. What about you? Are you planning a vacation this year?
Many people skip vacations altogether. There is always a valid excuse why you can’t take a vacation – there’s a big project in the works, you can’t get away, gas prices are too high, there are no vacancies at the beach, or you just don’t have the time. There is always a good excuse to continue working, especially for workaholics and Type A personalities.
The old saying goes “If you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.” For many of us who truly love what we do, that saying holds a lot of truth. Still, a break in daily routine is good for the mind, recharging creative juices and providing rest for the brain muscle. Smart people take vacations, even if they are short, weekend breaks.
For example, I have a colleague who lives within 30 miles of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One day a week is “hiking day” for her. There are over 40 trails within a half-hour’s drive from her home and she takes one day a week to get out and go hiking. While on the trail, he mind recharges and she says some of her best ideas have come while out hiking the Appalachians.
Is your productivity low? Is it getting to be a chore to get up and go to work? Are you just a grump? Maybe you need a vacation. It doesn’t have to be something as exotic as a trip to Bimini. A short day trip away from the office and routine can provide the recharge you need to be a better employee. Life is to be enjoyed, not worked away.
