Image Credit: Fotolia

Image Credit: Fotolia

The lives of working women are pretty full. Between professional, personal, and domestic lives, there is a lot that needs to be accomplished in an average day – and then it is all repeated the next morning. It may seem like a vacation is the last thing you need, or can pull off, but there are a lot of smart reasons to get away this summer. Take a look:

  • The sunshine. The sun is sometimes made out to be the bad guy, and for good reason. Melanoma is one of the leading cancers among young adults, particularly young women, and nearly 10,000 people are expected to die from melanoma this year alone. Still, completely avoiding sunlight can have negative effects. Taking in at least a little bit of sun in a safe way (just 15 or 20 minutes at a time) is good for you though. The right amount of the sun’s rays will kick start your body’s Vitamin D production, leading to improved mood through hormonal balance. Getting out from behind your desk, and out into the summer sun, provides a physical and mental boost.
  • In-person connections. So much of our communication today is remote and electronic. Even people who live just down the street likely communicate with us more through text messaging, and less through in-person interactions. A vacation that centers on visiting family or friends is a great way to rejuvenate those relationships and remember what is truly important in life.
  • Sleep. If you decide to take a vacation, build in plenty of time for simple relaxation. You do not need to chart out every single moment of every day you are away. Instead, take advantage of being away from your normal routine and catch up on some much-needed sleep. Sleep in, nap, or just rest your eyes in the shade of a hammock.
  • Improved productivity. If you think that taking a vacation is a way to shirk your responsibilities at work, think again. Getting away for a few days will likely improve your productivity when you return, according to research from the National Institutes of Health. The reason? Too much stress takes a toll on your decision-making abilities, but when you are fresh from a vacation, your mind is clear and prepared to make the tough choices.

Where will you get away this summer?

Photo via Flickr/Creative Commons

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