If you are reading this the week it is published, I will be on leave.\u00a0 This and next week\u2019s articles have been prepared in advance for publication.\u00a0 We\u2019re not going abroad.\u00a0 The decision that this would be a UK holiday year was made back in May.\u00a0 We foresaw the chaos ahead in regard to quarantine lists and accessibility issues with foreign countries.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
I have never been able to understand why people do not use all their annual leave entitlement.\u00a0 Working in OH, I realise that it is something that some people routinely do.\u00a0 In fact, since working in higher education, I have got a sense that it is common among the academic community.\u00a0 The University has even facilitated a scheme whereby staff can \u2018purchase\u2019 extra leave, on top of the generous leave entitlement we have.\u00a0 And now all levels of staff will get the same amount of annual leave which is a big step forward for equality.<\/p>\n
Taking a holiday is so beneficial for us, in so many ways.\u00a0 Taking a break from the grind promotes better sleep.\u00a0 Research has shown that those people who don\u2019t take holidays are more likely to develop serious chronic disease, (see the YouTube video by Doctor Mike below).\u00a0 In addition, people become more productive and innovative after taking time out.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
Taking a holiday is good for relationships, with your partner, children and friends.\u00a0 Just spending time with others shows them that you value them.\u00a0 It gives the opportunity to reconnect on a deeper level.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
In such an unusual year as this is, with all the worries it has brought to us, it\u2019s more important than ever to take a break and enjoy a holiday.<\/p>\n
\u2018Why it\u2019s important to take annual leave even when you can\u2019t go on holiday\u2019<\/a> by Laura Hampson on the Evening Standard website<\/p>\n \u2018Make Time to Rest or the World will Steal it from you\u2019<\/a> by Camilla Cavendish on ft.com<\/p>\n \u2018Take a Holiday for your Health\u2019<\/a> by Dr Jenny Lesser on BUPA website<\/p>\n \u2018Importance of Taking Vacation\u2019<\/a> by Shannon Torberg on Allina Health website<\/p>\n \u2018The Mental Health Benefits of Holidays\u2019<\/a> by Kiri Nowak on the Family Holiday Association website<\/p>\n \u2018Why Rest Days are Important for Higher Efficiency at Work\u2019<\/a> by Kenny Kline on Life Hack website<\/p>\n \u2018Benefits of Down Time and Resting over the Holidays\u2019<\/a> by Jason DiNunno on Digital Authority website<\/p>\n \u20187 Shocking, Proven, Health Benefits of Vacation\u2019<\/a> by Doctor Mike on YouTube<\/p>\n