As busy professionals, we're all so accustomed to the go-go-go mentality that seems to permeate every aspect of our daily lives. Yet, sometimes, we don't notice just how hard we're hustling until we take a moment to stop, breathe, and be present.
With the Memorial Day holiday late last month, the 3-day weekend was a great opportunity for the MerusCase team to really take a break and check out of our weekly work routines. For some of us, this meant an entire day to explore new spots in the Bay or for indulging in our favorite hobbies and, for others, this meant an extra day of Netflix marathons, after which we all came back relaxed, refreshed, and ready to tackle the week ahead.
Taking a day off every once in a while is an important part of being a productive and effective professional (especially in the creative or entrepreneurial spaces!). That said, we've compiled a list of the most compelling reasons to give yourself permission to kick your feet up and truly unplug when the opportunity arises:
1. Vacations relieve stress and improve mental health.
You know that really happy, excited feeling that you experience in the days or weeks leading up to a really awesome vacation? It turns out that feeling is great for both your mental health and the quality of your work. [1] Moreover, according to the Framingham Heart Study [2], taking more vacations during your lifetime is correlated with living a longer, healthier overall life.
2. Taking a break helps increase overall productivity.
It's natural that the longer and more intensely you work, the less productive you become over time. Don't let yourself settle into a cycle of non-stop work; take the time to relax and rejuvenate in order increase your productivity and efficiency. Just like taking a short nap can help boost the storage of memories, a day off restores the precious mental resources you're constantly exhausting during the work week. [3]
3. Mental breaks allow you to gain new perspectives on your work.
Whether you're traveling or truly vacationing, often times you'll find yourself visiting a location you've never been before. These new places tend to lead to new perspectives, increased inspiration, and a broader understanding of the world as a whole.
4. Mental breaks help fight burnout.
If you have a lot going on at work and are constantly feeling stressed out, it's easy to get overwhelmed and to start developing negative feelings about your job. If you usually love your job, but are having trouble remembering why, it might be time to take a break! Allowing yourself to press "reset" can help to get your work-life balance in check and keep you from slipping into burnout. [4]
5. Time off allows you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
If you work in an industry where your work is highly fragmented, sometimes it can be difficult to see the big picture. It's easy to forget about how many cases you've successfully closed and your life's purpose might begin to seem more and more unclear. With a day off, you have the chance to step back and appreciate what you've accomplished as well as develop clarity around your long-term goals (and come back more energized to achieve them).
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