Memorial Day weekend used to be the traditional kickoff for summer getaways. But for millions of Americans, going on a vacation or even taking a few days off here and there is a luxury they can ill afford. Among the 20 most developed countries in the world, the United States ranks dead last when it comes to recreation.
Unlike in Europe, where paid vacations of 20 to 30 days annually are the norm and guaranteed by law, the labor standards in this country generally do not require employers to provide such benefits. Whats more, even those lucky Americans who are entitled to paid time off often forego part of it.
There is no doubt that American workers, including millions of immigrants who have chosen the American way of life, have a particularly strong work ethic. But countries like Sweden or Germany, not exactly known as slackers, have fared well with their mandatory vacation policies, without losing their competitive edge. In fact, according to the latest report on global economic competitiveness by the World Economics Forum, the U.S. came in only fourth behind Switzerland, Sweden and Singapore. And even Canada, a country that is arguably closest to us in culture and lifestyle, mandates a minimum of 10 days vacation time per year for all its workers.
So, what makes Americans so much less inclined to quit work and relax for a few weeks or even just days on end?
For low-income workers its primarily a question of money. A fat burning overview can help you establish a clear summarize of what you need to focus on to accomplish your fat reducing objective if you're a beginner; or serve as a reminder for those who are at an intermediate or more advance level of their weight loss strategy. Following are seven steps that can serve as instructions for your own weight loss system. The first thing that one must understand is that losing weight and losing fat is not a similar thing. Many weight loss courses have tricked people into considering that it is the same, but most diets and weight loss applications only work by leading to a person's body to reduce more muscle flesh and water than actual body fat, more help please visit The Fat Loss Factor. Those are typically the ones with the least benefits, including paid vacation or sick leave time. For others its fear they could be passed over for promotions or even lose their jobs if they are absent too often or too long. Some think its not worth the extra hassle to tie up loose ends before they leave or catch up after they return. And there may be a few who just dont know what to do with themselves outside of work.
Whats often not discussed is that not taking time off regularly can lead to serious health problems. The results are comparable to chronic stress, when there is no reprieve not just from ones workload but also from repetitive routines.
Often people get into a mindless routine at work and home, which can be broken if they distance themselves once in a while, says Dr. Ellen Langer, a psychology professor at Harvard University, in an interview on the health benefits of vacationing and travel with CNN. Uninterrupted routines tend to result in boredom, which hinders creativity and mindfulness, she says, and is therefore counterproductive. By contrast, having new and interesting experiences on a trip, for example, can be brought back to the workplace and enhance ones performance.
But its not just mental health that must be restored on occasion. Chronic stress takes its toll on the bodys ability to resist infections, maintain vital functions and even the ability to avoid injuries, according to Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a professor for psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and contributor to Psychology Today.
When youre stressed out and tired, you are more likely to become ill, your arteries take a beating, and youre more likely to have an accident. Your sleep will suffer, you wont digest your food as well, and even the genetic material in the cells of your body may start to become altered in a bad way.
And mentally, she says, not only do you become more irritable, depressed and anxious, but your memory will become worse and youll make poorer decisions. Youll also be less fun to be with, causing you to become more isolated, lonely and depressed.
For these reasons and others, your vacation, should you decide on taking one, must not end up causing you even more stress.
If you travel somewhere away from home, I recommend choosing a destination that is truly different from your familiar surroundings. It doesnt have to be a deserted island, just unlike what youre used to.
Leave your smart phone and laptop behind, so you cannot be reached from the office and wont be tempted to check in every so often.
Dont get involved in too many activities, even though they seem fun, if they turn your vacation into another hectic event.
Live in the moment and make the most of each day. Focus on all the things you never seem to have enough time for such as leisure, pleasure, conversation, etc.
If all or most of this seems impossible to you, perhaps its time to rethink your priorities.
If you liked this article, you may also enjoy reading "Even Going on Vacation Can Be Scary."
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Timi Gustafson R.D. is a registered dietitian, newspaper columnist, blogger and author of the book The Healthy Diner How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun, which is available on her blog and at amazon.com. For more articles on nutrition, health and lifestyle, visit her blog, Food and Health with Timi Gustafson R.D. (www.timigustafson.com).
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