A quite unfortunate statistic is that most Americans do not use their allotted vacation time. People in employment sectors ranging from government to healthcare forfeit an average of 30 vacation days every five years. For the fortunate, some government agencies will buy back unused vacation time. If you want a job where your vacation time is refundable, consider the Marines. Otherwise, these jobs are few and far between...
Surveys provide several explanations for this unused time: Your inability to gather the spouse and children together within the same vacation time, financial limitations, and the inability to forget everyday stress, such as unfinished work. The inability to release stress is a top cause for employee burnout, which inevitably leads to the transference of work related stress into other life facets, such as family and friends. Of course, the transference of stress is both viral and compounding. Consequentially, friends and family become stressed because of your stress and their stress adds to your already stressful mood. Releasing stress is the only means of coping with a stress-filled life.
Vacations, whether two days or two weeks, is primary means of stress release. If you are the type A personality that requires high stimulation levels, the Grand Canyon, sky diving, and white water rafting is for you. However if you are the type B, which requires low levels of stimulation then a Miami Beach vacations is right up your alley. Grab your new swimsuit and best sandals then hit the beach for some down time while enjoying a good book. There is one usual setback. The common American family consists of both type A and type B personalities. Some simple brainstorming overcomes this personality assortment. Mom can rent a jet ski while Dad lays on the beach soaking up rays, or is it the other way around.
If finances are your setback, travel and hotel accommodations are exceptionally cheap now. Find a good travel agent or some promotional getaway passes and let go of your stress. If these costs still put you outside your budget, try a local getaway. Whatever the level of getting away is, you must get away. Otherwise, your mental and physical health is at risk.
