Everyone loves vacations. Or do they?
In the United States, our culture is one of relentless self-improvement and advancement. The American Dream is all about building something out of nothing — about pulling yourself up by your bootstraps and creating the life you want. There is nothing wrong with this ideology in theory, but in practice in our work culture, it has created an unhealthy “workaholic” epidemic that is affecting the entire nation. In a recent survey, 29% of full-time employees reported feeling ashamed about taking time off of work. According to a report by the U.S. Travel Association, 705 million vacation days went unused in 2018, and 52% of employees reported having unused vacation time at the end of the year.
In today’s post, we want to break down why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using your vacation days. Not sure what to do with them all? Consider booking a offshore fishing charter off the coast of Venice, Louisiana! Our charter fishing packages have something for people of all ages and ability levels, so contact us now to learn more and start building the perfect offshore fishing trip for you!
1. VACATIONS IMPROVE YOUR WORK PERFORMANCE
Though it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that employees who make the most of their vacation time and use all of their days off actually perform better at work, are rated more highly by their peers, and are more likely to receive a raise or bonus. Researchers believe this is because vacations are a necessary weapon against burnout at work — something that can affect the productivity of entire organizations when left unchecked.
If you’re worried that this research may not have made its way to your boss yet, consider this study that found that 80% of managers believed that vacation time was helping to maintain positive energy levels on their teams, and 67% believed it made employees more productive. So go on, book that vacation! Your job will thank you.
2. VACATIONS IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
Everyone knows that vacations can help to reduce stress, but few people realize just how much stress reduction can do for your overall physical and mental health. Neuroscientists have found that ongoing exposure to the stress hormone cortisol can alter the brain’s physical structure and contribute to heightened anxiety and depression. Cortisol also increases your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to combat this. The New York Times recently reported that taking a vacation every two years as opposed to every six years can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and coronary heart disease!
Still not convinced? Think about your loved ones.
3. VACATIONS IMPROVE YOUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
If you’re happy with your work performance, and healthy in body and mind, then you’ll have far more energy to pour into your relationships with loved ones in your life. Working too much, too hard can put undue pressure on your interactions with friends and family, whether it’s because you’re chronically stressed out or turning down invitations.
Vacations, on the other hand, gives you time to reconnect with the people who matter most. That quality time is vital to healthy relationships, and once you start making the time to travel and vacation with loved ones, you’ll see benefits in other areas of your life as well. Studies show that people with strong bonds are less stressed, less susceptible to disease, and less prone to mental health problems overall. When you start taking and enjoying your vacations, the benefits multiply faster than you can keep track!
Book Your Next Vacation With LA Bluewater Charter Company
Ready to give your work performance, physical and mental health, and personal relationships a boost? Book your next vacation with LA Bluewater Charter Company in Venice, Louisiana! We offer guided offshore fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico, and we have packages to suit every skill level and need. When you book with us, you can enjoy adventurous days of fishing for red snapper, tuna, swordfish, and more!
Experience the best Louisiana offshore fishing around — take that much-deserved vacation and join us for a trophy fishing expedition today! Contact us to learn more about our packages or book your trip now.