Great news you might want to forward to your employer to increase your vacation time this year. A research study concluded that “women who take vacations frequently are less likely to become tense, depressed, or tried, and are more satisfied with their marriage. These personal psychological benefits that lead to increased quality of life may also lead to improved work performance.”1 The odds of depressed mood and tension were much lower in women who took a vacation twice or more per year versus women who took a vacation every 2 to 6 years. So it seems the key to improving your career, marriage, and personal health is stopping to rest and gaining new perspective with a vacation.

So take advantage of the summer months still left and plan a vacation with the family, some friends, or maybe even by yourself. The important part is to take a break from the daily routine so if money is tight this year plan a stay vacation and vow not to work for a week. Happy vacationing!

Jennifer Wilmoth, LAMFT
jwilmoth@ GROWcounseling.com

Reference for article: 1 Chikani, V., Reding,  D., Gunderson, P., McCarty, C. (2005). Vacations Improve Mental Health Among Rural Women: The Wisconsin Rural Women’s Health Study. Wisconsin Medical Journal,104(6), 20-23.