In the United States, employees work longer hours and take less time off than workers in any other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member country. This can lead to various mental and physical health challenges, including heightened feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression. When work becomes overwhelming for an employee or it seems difficult to establish a healthy work-life balance, it’s essential that they consider taking time off. Yet many U.S. employees find it difficult to take PTO or go on vacation.
Why is that? Certainly, most people can agree time away from work is integral to well-being, sustained productivity and high performance. However, many people still don’t use their allotted vacation time. Eventually, overtime will take its toll — not just on the employee but the company as a whole. This blog will provide some helpful tips on how to use PTO and why vacations shouldn’t be placed on the back burner.
Drop the stress and unwind
When picturing a vacation, many people think of a tropical beach trip. While that does sound lovely, not all vacations need to be the trip of a lifetime. Sometimes a staycation can be even more relaxing. The important thing to remember when using a vacation to destress is to find what is best for you. There are many different factors that can play into this, including family responsibilities and financial restrictions. If you have unused vacation time but cannot swing a trip to somewhere far away, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your time off.
On your day(s) off, whether you’re out of state or enjoying a staycation, make sure you’re spending time doing activities that make you feel happy and fulfilled. This break allows employees to relax and recharge, which can reduce their level of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. Vacations also provide an opportunity for employees to engage in activities they enjoy, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies. Engaging in enjoyable pastimes can help employees feel happier and more relaxed, which can also reduce stress. Furthermore, some vacations provide a change of scenery and routine, which can help break negative thought patterns and provide a fresh perspective.
Give your brain a break
Breaking your normal routine can help you (and your brain!) feel more present in the moment and overall more stimulated, leading to greater creativity in your daily life. What makes vacations great is they will keep you from being stuck on autopilot and allow you to feel more present in your life. While on vacation, take time to flex your mindfulness muscle by:
- Enjoying a meal without technology
- Going on a walk outside in a new neighborhood
- Practicing breathing exercises
These brain breaks aren’t exclusively reserved for PTO. You can also introduce these exercises into your everyday life to help increase mindfulness. Find what makes you feel happy while allowing yourself to take time off.
Catch those Zs
Many factors contribute to a bad night’s sleep, but lack of time off could be key. According to industry research, after two to three days of vacation, people sleep better — receiving up to an hour more sleep every night — and experience an 80% improvement in reaction time. This may be the case because vacations often break those pesky habits that disrupt sleep, such as checking emails late into the night or working overtime.
While on vacation, employees typically leave an OOO message in their inbox letting others know they are temporarily away from their emails. But this practice needn’t be reserved for PTO. If you can, set this message at the end of your day when you log off. Let your coworkers know you’ll be inaccessible until the next morning. Setting this expectation can help ease the stressors keeping you up at night, even when a vacation isn’t close in your rearview mirror.
All told, remember: Employees need to take their vacations more seriously! Time off should not be viewed as a want but rather a need to ensure employees are the best version of themselves in and outside of the office. So, stop waiting! Throw the vacation guilt out the window and take a few days for yourself.
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