Ahhhhh, summer break! School's out for kids, educators might be able to take some time off from their jobs, or at least have a modified schedule without as many of the kids in the building, and lots of families will try to take some sort of vacation. Whether a stay-cation or a trip to some exotic location, give yourself the gift that keeps on giving: real time away from work.
- Vacations have been proven to alleviate perceived job stress and burnout. However, not all vacations are equal; how vacations are structured significantly impact health-related outcomes. Before taking that next vacation, it might be a good idea to focus on these specific areas:
- And don't forget to socialize! Socializing is an important interaction for everyone. It is proven to improve health and increase longevity, and can be a source of social support benefitting both the giver and receiver. In fact, social connections are one of the biggest predictors for health, happiness, and longevity. And when a person ages, the importance becomes even more significant as socialization is proven to diminish dementia, reduce stress, and enhance intellectual stimulation when it builds up cognitive reserve to compensate for lost brain cells or connections. Whether you are interacting with people you know, or taking the time to chat with strangers, make an extra effort to socialize on your next vacation.
So as the summer progresses, get rid of that line of negative thinking that you can't afford the vacation of your dreams. Think of it as an investment in your future health and happiness. VA-CA, here we come!