photo credit: muha…

I love taking vacations (don’t we all?). Unfortunately, like most people, I am only able to get away about once a year.   After my recent trip to Mexico, I decided that taking vacations are NOT optional!

This was a much needed trip—we have both been worn out from everything life has thrown our way:  work stress, family stress, and general social stress. And, to top if off, we are two people who are not always the most pleasant to be around when we haven’t fed our own “down time” needs!

Vacation Equals Mental Health

Most of us weather through life with many of the same everyday, mundane stressors.  Whether you choose to vacation with the entire family, or with just your significant other, this is why I think we should all be on a mission to make vacation MANDATORY:

• Vacationing gives you and your partner a chance to reconnect. Often times, we get too caught up in our day to day routine that we can lose sight of the little things that make life, and our relationships, special. Also, with TV, internet, and other distractions it is easy in “real life” to spend far less time together. Taking a vacation forces you to focus on each other—in a good way.
• Vacationing gets you out of your daily routine-which, lets face it, can sometimes be too routine. Going away gives you freedom from all of the monotonous tasks you face on a daily basis.
• Vacationing enables you to de-stress while truly being away from it all
• Relaxation. Let’s face it: Americans are great at their careers and taking care of their families, but we are not so great on taking time to relax. Relaxation is key in practicing self care, and managing things like anxiety and depression. Not surprisingly, the U.S. is a nation with one of the fewest amount of vacation days offered by employers. We need relaxation and vacation in order to be more productive-not only at work but at home as well.
• Vacationing gives you a break from the anxiety and stress that daily chores, work, and family responsibilities can cause.

You may be thinking, especially in this economy, that a “staycation” (taking time off from work, but staying home, using that time to run errands or fix up the house, etc.) is just as good as a going away vacation. However, I disagree.

A “staycation” is not a true vacation.

I am not suggesting you spend thousands of dollars on a luxury trip—you could easily drive to the next closest city or town and stay at a motel—the important thing is to have time away from home and away from all the things that stress you out every day. You will come back refreshed and ready to tackle life. Your kids will thank you, your spouse will thank you. But most importantly, you’ll thank yourself.

Erica S. Gould is a Licensed Professional Counselor helping children, teens, and adults achieve happiness and reach their full potential. She can be reached through her website at http://www.ichoosechange.com/erica.html.

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Tags: anxiety and stress, life balance, mental health, personal development
Posted in Anxiety and Stress Management, Emotional Well-being | 2 Comments »