“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…including you.” – Anne Lamott
In my line of work, I talk a lot about stress. Especially in America, where we are driven to be bigger, better, stronger and faster, stress is often seen as a badge of honor. Unfortunately, too much stress can negatively impact your health and well being. That’s why it’s important to reduce some of that stress by taking a break from it. From a much-needed vacation to powering down your phone or participating in a leisure activity, statistics show that hitting the reset button improves your health and increases your productivity and focus. Here are five reasons to unplug, refocus and book that getaway flight today.
- Clear your mind. Does your life ever feel like a computer with 100 browsers open at the same time? Turns out, there’s a direct connection between stress and decision-making. When you’re overwhelmed with information and trying to juggle too many things, it’s easy to make mistakes or feel paralyzed when making choices. Your mind needs a break to rest and refresh.
- Sleep better. In general, Americans are not great sleepers. From the constant distraction of cell phones to the stress and anxiety of life, many people struggle to get the rest they need. A vacation is the perfect way to reset and interrupt the disruptive habits that keep you from enjoying a good night’s sleep.
- Reconnect with loved ones. Want to deepen your relationships? It’s all about quality time. Whether it’s taking a trip together or just gathering for a meal, it’s important to step away from the stress in your life and invest in those around you.
- Refocus. Sometimes it’s necessary to pause and refocus on what truly matters. Sure, your job performance is important, but not to the detriment of your health and your relationships. When you take a break from daily stress, it’s easier to focus on the important things in life and make healthy changes moving forward.
- Smile more. Ever wonder why Europeans consistently score higher than Americans on happiness studies? They make vacations a priority. Americans, on the other hand, on average use only half of their allotted vacation time, despite the fact that it’s a proven way to lower stress and fight depression. Interestingly, even the act of planning a vacation can increase happiness. So whether it’s a local excursion or a cruise around the world, use that paid time off to the fullest.
March is spring break month and the perfect time to unplug. Whether you decide to meet a friend for coffee or take a trip to Hawaii, the important thing is to identify the stressors in your life and make a concerted effort to occasionally turn them off.
David Lowenstein, Ph.D. is a psychologist and the clinical director of Lowenstein & Associates, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio. In addition to providing therapeutic services to individuals and families, he offers training and consultation to numerous associations, schools and agencies around the country. Additionally, he is a frequent radio and TV guest and a resource and contributing writer for numerous newspapers and magazines nationwide. Contact Dr. David Lowenstein at 691 South Fifth Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43206, or call 614.443.6155 or 614.444.0432.
