Can Vacations Affect Our Well-Being?
Long, long ago (in a galaxy far,. far away....oops! wrong story!), I worked in the timeshare industry. Didn't do it for long, as it is by far one of the most stressful (and unpleas...

Long, long ago (in a galaxy far,. far away....oops! wrong story!), I worked in the timeshare industry. Didn't do it for long, as it is by far one of the most stressful (and unpleasant) jobs I'd ever had. Big money always equals big pressure. And the 'big boys' who ran the show weren't messin' around. I quit just shy of my 2 year anniversary. But it wasn't a total 'bust'.

During the time I worked there, I learned volumes about the travel industry and all the various alternatives to timeshares. It was a great education, especially for someone who enjoys learning. One of the most startling things I learned was that Americans, despite our being one of the so-called 'wealthiest' countries in the world (perhaps not for long?), are at the bottom of the list for vacationing.. Top of the list? Italy. In fact, Western Europeans lead the world in most 'holiday' time. The average European takes SIX WEEKS of holiday (that's what they call it there) a YEAR! You read that right ~ SIX WEEKS! Many of them take more than that, but that's the overall average. Can you imagine? I can. In fact, I figured out that given the effects said 'holidays' have on us, 6 weeks a year ought to be a minimum. Why?

Think about why we don't take vacations. Is it because we can't bear the idea of living without our cell phones and TVs? Is it because we shudder at the idea of NOT making money for such a long stretch? Is it because we just can't imagine having that much 'leisure' time? Yes. Yes. And yes. When I did the job (as an agent), I'd always ask people why they chose not to vacation. Now I'm well aware that the majority of people lie their butts off when in said 'presentations' because they're terrified they'll be 'sold'. I understand. They only came for the free gift. They have no intention whatsoever in buying a time share. I know. I know. But here's the thing ~ once I got past all that crap and got them to answer that one question, it was clear to me that Americans are just flat out opposed to treating themselves to such beneficial 'luxuries'. Of course, not ALL Americans are this way. There are lots of folks who do vacation. But the majority don't. They think that going to visit Uncle Willy is a vacation. Or spending 2 days at the beach. Or NOT going to work. These are not vacations. Maybe that's why Europeans call them 'holidays'.

Vacation, by definition, is as follows:

Etymology: Middle English vacacioun, from Anglo-French vacacion, from Latin vacation-, vacatio freedom, exemption, from vacare

Date: 14th century

1: a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission

2 a: a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended b: a period of exemption from work granted to an employee

3: a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation

4: an act or an instance of vacating.

But what's all this got to do with our health? There have been a great many studies done on the effects of stress (and the removal of said stress) on the human body, mind and spirit. Time and time again, the results come out the same. People who holiday on a regular basis have less occurrence of stress-related maladies, including (but not limited to) heart disease, cancer, stroke, joint-related ailments, etc. People who take regular holidays (minimum 3 weeks a year) are proven to be more productive, use less 'sick days', more motivated and more effective in their contributions to both their place of business and their communities. Their kids make better grades (not kidding!) and have fewer incident of behavioral issues. In short, they're better human beings because they're healthier for taking time out and just RELAXING.

Now, I know visiting Uncle Willy can be loads of fun. I'm not arguing the value in time spent with family. What I'm offering, however, is the perspective to see each for what they are: one is a VISIT to see family, the other is a RESPITE or rest or exemption. See the difference? Perhaps we're just discussing semantics here. But I think not. It's been my experience that going on 'holiday' is about as beneficial to my overall health and well-being as anything else I've ever done for my Self. They can provide relaxation, rest, alleviation of stress (entirely!) and a grand new outlook on life in general. In short, every time I've ever gone on 'holiday', I've come home a better person, all the way around. This affects everything else in my life, from my business productivity to my interpersonal relationships. I'm a much nicer person. I'm happier. I have more patience. I am....MORE of my Self. And, near as I can tell, it's just plain GOOD for you!

I'm offering all this to you for a couple of reasons: one is, I think it's high time we start rewarding ourselves for the energy we expend every single day whether it be in our jobs or after the work day is done. I also believe that the more time we spend in respite, the more we have to offer the world. Not to mention the fact that we'd all be less crabby if we took more time relaxing! Can vacations make you a better, more healthy person? You betcha. Studies are in. Proof is in the pudding. Don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself. As the cruise line (TV ad) says ~ GET OUT THERE! Once you get a taste, it'll be hard to ignore. Kind of like really good chocolate!