It’s apparent that many people are of the opinion that more work equals greater productivity.
In truth, work breaks, even little ones, are proven to improve efficiency greatly. As Phyllis Korkki notes for the New York Times: “A growing body of evidence shows that taking regular breaks from mental tasks improves productivity and creativity — and that skipping breaks can lead to stress and exhaustion.”
This is precisely why extended breaks from work, or vacations, are of the utmost important. Our brains need a break from the daily stress of the workplace. Simply put, they need time to recharge. As New York primary care physician Natasha Withers told ABC News:
Rest, relaxation, and stress reduction are very important for people’s well-being and health.
This can be accomplished through daily activities, such as exercise and meditation, but vacation is an important part of this as well.
Thus, vacations are necessary to sustain both mental and physical health, and, in turn, productivity.
Comparatively, Europeans, who receive decidedly more vacation days (and actually use them), live longer and spend less on healthcare than Americans.
Simultaneously, it’s apparent that the US economy would greatly benefit from Americans taking more vacation time.
