How Travel Helps Combat Stress

If you’re looking for a good excuse to plan your next vacation, it has been proven days spent away actually help lower stress levels. While this may seem obvious, clear-cut evidence can be seen in cultures around the world where an increased number of vacation days is strongly linked to health and mental wellbeing.

Sadly for Americans, there is no regulation about the number of paid vacation days that employees “should” be allowed per year. While the standard is two weeks, this isn’t an actual law. But research shows vacations do a mind and body good as they allow a physical and mental reset, and a much-needed reminder life is more than just a desk job. After an extended period of time off, companies report employees return refreshed and more productive, as is seen in some Western European countries that have mandated paid vacation days that amount to up to four weeks per year.

Meanwhile in the States, workers with limited time off report more frequent bouts with illnesses such as the common cold and feelings of depression and anxiety, which, in turn, negatively affects productivity. Although the United States doesn’t possess the vacation culture of its European counterparts, learning to accept time away from work is a process that takes practice. The catch to actually enjoying this stress-free time away is to fully disconnect, meaning stepping away from any work-related messages and e-mails.