Protect Your Health - Use Vacation Days

According to a recent national survey, fewer Americans are using their vacation days. One-third of employees leave four out of fourteen vacation days unused. Workers cite planning, heavy workloads and a preference for cash instead of vacation days as reasons to stay on the job.

Expedia.com's annual Vacation Deprivation survey yielded more than 2300 participants. Some respondents said they preferred the cash over the vacation days. Others said they simply were too busy to take a vacation.

Sixty-five percent of respondents stated problems coping with work related stress before, during and after time off. Properly planned vacations actually lower stress levels, according to Dr. Teresa Kramer, of UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Everyday life and work exposes people to stress. Bodies react with the natural fight or flight response. The result? Elevated blood pressure, decreased appetite, decreased sexual urges and an inhibited immune system.

Thirty-six percent of survey respondents reported feeling better about work and experiencing increased productivity after taking a vacation. More than half of those taking the survey reported feeling more connected with family after taking a vacation.

Dr. Kramer notes that people in the United States tend to forget about mini-vacations. Short 3 to 4 day get aways can be ideal stress busters and relationship renewers. Taking mini-vacations gives you the opportunity to avoid the stress involved in planning long vacations. Kramer suggests taking mini-vacations throughout the year.

Several statistics illustrate the healthy benefits of taking a vacation. An annual vacation can cut the risk of heart disease in men by 30% and in women by 50%.

Men are more likely than women to cancel or postpone vacation trips due to work, even though men get more vacation days than women do.

What gets in the way of vacation? Taking the time to plan. Organizing. 14% of workers say the need for advance scheduling and planning is too much trouble. 11% of workers state they're too busy. 10% would rather see the money added to their paychecks than take the time away from their desks.

Those who do take a vacation may not really be getting away from it all. 23% of workers check their voicemail while on vacation. Many pack along laptops and PDAs, just in case.

How can you make the most of a mini-vacation? Leave the laptop behind. Travel within the state and avoid the need to make flight reservations or deal with airlines. Vacation at a hotel, resort or cabin.

"You don't have to take a nature vacation. Ballgames, museums, and other activities help increase creativity. You can see the world from a different perspective," says Kramer.

Check vacation destinations within a short driving distance. Many hotels and resorts offer weekend, all-inclusive specials. 3 day, 2 night specials are available for several Branson, Missouri, hotels and resorts. The package deals include lodging, meals and tickets to one of the popular shows.

Some cities, like Springfield, Missouri, are offering gas rebates for vacation visitors who spend at least two nights at a hotel within the city. Browse online for family or couple weekend specials.

Ignoring vacation time can be hazardous to your health. Taking a mini-vacation can reduce stress, rejuvenate your creativity and strengthen relationship ties. Grab the calendar, pencil in several mini-vacations throughout the year and plan to feel better.