Don’t Skip That Vacation: The Mental Health Benefits of Taking Time Off
We all need a little time off to rest, relax and recharge our batteries. So why don’t we do it more often? According to a study by the U.S. Travel Association, 46% of Americans don’t utilize their paid time off. Hustle culture helps grow businesses, but it is your mental health that pays the price. Fatigue, burnout, anxiety, boredom – as a small business owner, you’ve probably run the gamut of all these emotions.
However, it’s time to get strategic and get away for vacation. Hightened Path RV Rentals reports that time-off benefits are great for your mental health (and your business).
Stress Reduction
According to the American Institute of Stress, 40% of workers find their jobs extremely stressful. And we all know that stress leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, blood pressure, and sleep problems. The best way to disassociate your anxiety? Take a vacation! The American Psychological Association reports that the most effective way to reduce stress is to remove people from the activities and environments they associate with worry and anxiety.
Thus, even a little staycation in your city or a one-day getaway can work wonders for your mental health. Just be sure to give your vacation your all and avoid any work-related activities to reap the full benefits of your time off.
Let Go
Control and stress are intrinsically linked. Most small business owners find it challenging to delegate the many responsibilities on their plate. But the more you think you need to do everything yourself, the more your anxieties will pile up. Going on vacation will require you to let go of your tight hold on business affairs, but you can make it easier for yourself by handling essential matters before take off.
Ensure each member of your team knows exactly what to do when you’re away. Also, ensure you’ve talked to vendors, automated billing, and done a few tasks ahead so you can rest assured when you’re away. Send that out-of-office email and set that ‘do not disturb’ status to ensure you’re left in peace.
It may also make sense to ensure you have a registered agent who manages and receives legal documents on behalf of your business. That way, if any time-sensitive matters – such as lawsuits, garnishment notices, tax issues, and annual report problems – come up, you’ll be in the loop and appraised on how to handle the situation.
Have Fun
One of the best ways to up your productivity, motivation, and overall joie de vivre is to relax and have fun. Because when you’re happier, you excel at what you do. When you’re away, try to engage in activities that induce happiness while challenging and stimulating your entire being. While lounging by the pool with some cocktails and a beach read is excellent, it’s not going to let your mind fully relax from all the work strains.
Engaging in adventure sports or high-intensity exercise is a great option because it allows your mind to focus on one feeling and thought rather than dredging up business matters from the past. Kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as other adventure sports, are the perfect solutions if you’re in the Colorado Springs, CO area (or plan to visit). With different options for newbies and advanced adventurers alike, pushing your mental and physical limits is sure to have you invigorated like nothing else.
We get it – as a small business owner, taking time off is easier said than done. The pressure to keep your business running like a well-oiled machine is immensely high. Not to mention, the control you’d need to give up when going on vacation can be daunting. But it is time to book that vacation and live your best adventurous life. You’ll hit all your business goals while upping the quality of your life along the way.
Did you enjoy this article? Browse the Hightened Path RV Rentals site to find other informative content that is sure to inspire your vacation dreams. Click here to book an RV rental and contact us at 719-425-8730 for more information today!
*Article written by Jennifer Scott*
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