If you are reading this the week it is published, I will be on leave. This and next week’s articles have been prepared in advance for publication. We’re not going abroad. The decision that this would be a UK holiday year was made back in May. We foresaw the chaos ahead in regard to quarantine lists and accessibility issues with foreign countries. But we made plans that we would holiday in the UK and we are heading back to Wales for 10 days, combining the rest with visiting family.
I have never been able to understand why people do not use all their annual leave entitlement. Working in OH, I realise that it is something that some people routinely do. In fact, since working in higher education, I have got a sense that it is common among the academic community. The University has even facilitated a scheme whereby staff can ‘purchase’ extra leave, on top of the generous leave entitlement we have. And now all levels of staff will get the same amount of annual leave which is a big step forward for equality.
Taking a holiday is so beneficial for us, in so many ways. Taking a break from the grind promotes better sleep. Research has shown that those people who don’t take holidays are more likely to develop serious chronic disease, (see the YouTube video by Doctor Mike below). In addition, people become more productive and innovative after taking time out. It is as if the brain is able to clear the dross and volume of work through a period of holiday so that it is capable of more creative thinking and uncluttered processing on return to work.
Taking a holiday is good for relationships, with your partner, children and friends. Just spending time with others shows them that you value them. It gives the opportunity to reconnect on a deeper level. We all live within a pattern during a working week and there is seldom time to do everything; spending quality time with those we love is often the element of life that gets dropped. For a memorable and philosophical consideration of the importance of making the most of the moment by having a holiday, watch the YouTube video below by Prince Ea.
In such an unusual year as this is, with all the worries it has brought to us, it’s more important than ever to take a break and enjoy a holiday.
‘Why it’s important to take annual leave even when you can’t go on holiday’ by Laura Hampson on the Evening Standard website
‘Make Time to Rest or the World will Steal it from you’ by Camilla Cavendish on ft.com
‘Take a Holiday for your Health’ by Dr Jenny Lesser on BUPA website
‘Importance of Taking Vacation’ by Shannon Torberg on Allina Health website
‘The Mental Health Benefits of Holidays’ by Kiri Nowak on the Family Holiday Association website
‘Why Rest Days are Important for Higher Efficiency at Work’ by Kenny Kline on Life Hack website
‘Benefits of Down Time and Resting over the Holidays’ by Jason DiNunno on Digital Authority website
‘7 Shocking, Proven, Health Benefits of Vacation’ by Doctor Mike on YouTube
‘Working to Live or Living to Work’ by Prince Ea on YouTube