Do you know research shows that taking vacations will actually save your life? A recent study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 745,000 people died in 2016 from heart disease and stroke due to long hours. The research found that working 55 hours or more a week was associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease than a workweek of 35 to 40 hours.
Early in my career, I had a hard time taking vacations because I thought the business could not operate without me. In my early mastermind groups, the facilitator spoke about the importance of taking breaks from the daily grind. He shared the benefits received from taking breaks every 3 to 6 months. After finally realizing vacation improved my business, we made sure to take a minimum of two vacations each year. I would have to say, I not only benefited from the vacation, but my children have seen many parts of our country and world because we took these trips.
Let me share the three benefits I found in taking a break every 90 to 180 days in your business.
- You will have improved energy and performance after you return from your vacation. The time away recharges you to be ready to attack the challenges your business faces. This renewed energy allows you to be a better boss, husband, father, and friend.
- It will show you trust your staff to take care of business while you are gone. If the business relies completely on you to operate, you need to adjust your business because this will cause you a lot of stress and a feeling of overwhelm, and eventually death. Don’t allow your business to be a job, instead be an entrepreneur by putting the systems and processes in place to allow your business to operate without you.
- Your creativity and problem-solving skills will be at a higher level than before you left for your vacation. Your mind will be more attuned to solving problems that did not seem possible before the break. You also will find new ways to help your business grow and prosper.
Here is my recommendation, schedule your next vacation. If you feel you can not get away for a week, schedule a four-day weekend trip. The key is to get out of town and rest, relax and have fun. If you don’t take time to enjoy your family and friends, you will wake up one day realizing you missed a big part of life enjoying these special moments with the people you love the most.
I now try to take a trip each quarter. It not only energizes me, but I gain clarity on some of the issues I had before I left and am ready to tackle them when I get back. Sorry to cut this short, but Dana and I are getting ready to take a vacation and getaway to recharge our batteries and explore the beautiful sights and scenery of some beautiful places in this world.
As the Visa commercial says these are the moments that are PRICELESS!
Make it a GREAT day!
References for the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecastrillon/2021/05/23/why-taking-vacation-time-could-save-your-life/?sh=44f945ee24de