This week, my wife and I are on vacation at one of our favorite places in the world. A place of stunning beauty – and no work!

We all know that vacations are fun, but did you know that the medical community considers vacations a necessary ingredient to a healthy and happy life?

Here are five reasons to take a vacation, according to the Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland, Vermont…

• It can improve your mental health. This probably comes as no surprise, but when you take time off from routine stressors like work, it often improves your mental health. Not only can it make you feel happier and more relaxed, but research shows that vacations can increase mindfulness and well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• It can improve your physical health. Because vacations help you alleviate stress, they’re also good for your physical health. There is a consensus within the medical community that taking vacations and stepping away from stress can lower the risk of heart disease. In addition to being bad for your heart, stress contributes to sleep problems, headaches, stomachaches, and back pain.
• It can make you more productive. Although you may think that putting more hours in will result in getting more work done, taking some time off can boost your productivity. If you have more to give when you return, you haven’t lost out on anything. Disengaging from work gives your brain a rest and can improve your capacity to learn, get things done and be more creative.
• It can improve your relationships. Taking time off from work gives you a chance to strengthen relationships with family and friends. You have an opportunity to enjoy interesting, challenging, and exciting activities together or to simply relax and savor each other’s company. Either way, being able to put your focus on the people who mean the most to you rather than your job is a major plus.
• It decreases burnout. Feeling like you’re just not giving or doing your best at work because you’re stressed, feeling a lack of creativity or have had enough of the same old routine? Taking a vacation gives you a chance to recharge so you can return to work with a fresh set of eyes and more motivation.

The RRMC also adds this: “You don’t need to travel to distant locales or spend a lot of money to reap the benefits of vacations. Going somewhere nearby or staying home and enjoying a staycation are just as beneficial. The key to getting the most out of time off from work is to be able to unplug and not spend your time doing work or thinking about it.”

So, what are you waiting for?

Start planning that vacation!