Take Your Vacation Time. It's Good For Your Health

Is it true that if you don't use it, you lose it? Well, maybe. I'm talking vacation days, people. Mine don't roll over. That's why I, without question, use all of my vacation time every year. Hell, I don't get much to begin with. Many of you are probably in the same boat.

Breaking it down

How did Americans do when it came to vacation time in 2014? We did better than 2013, but there is still room for improvement. A recent study done by Expedia concludes that Americans took an average of 14 out of 15 vacation days.  Wait. We get barely over 2 weeks of vacation and we can't even use all of that?

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Anyway, the excuses used are typical. You've probably heard them all before:

• 19% say their work schedule doesn't allow it.
• 18% say they are banking them and/or carrying them over to next year.
• 18% say it's a lack of money.
• 16% say they have difficulty coordinating time.

Work schedule excuse: If a company gives out vacation time - they shouldn't have a problem letting you use it. I think most of the time this excuse is a self-fulfilling prophecy type of thing. The survey says 72% of U.S. bosses support their employees taking vacation time.

Bank/carry them over for next year excuse: I get this one. I would use it occasionally if my company allowed such a thing.

Lack of money excuse: Not buying it. The great thing about vacation days is that you don't need to go anywhere when you use them. This is a bad reason to not use your "paid time off."

Difficulty coordinating time excuse: Understandable.  I get this one because I'm separated from my family. I want to visit them, and they want to come visit me. On the other hand, I also have a "life" down here in Texas. It's hard to plan all of that out - especially when I only have about 13 vacation/personal days all year long. It's so hard. Maybe I should just sit in that dark corner over there. Yeah. That's a good idea.

Vacations = peace on earth

Okay, probably not. But, the study does say going on vacation makes people happy! Vacations make me happy. They may even make you healthier! According to the Wisconsin Medical Journal women are less likely to suffer from depression if they eat cheese go on vacation. Even if you're not a women, vacations can ease the stress of every day life. A few days off may even save your life!  

Bottom line

Take that vacation time your employer gives you and use it. Use it all. It's good for the mind, body, and soul. You don't have to go anywhere. A day off can go a long way. Slow down every once in a while and smell the roses. You won't regret it.