Think there's not enough time to take a vacation? … Think again!   
written by Sue Millingen

Canadians are not taking enough vacation time, according to a new study, and that can hurt in ways you might not have imagined.

According to the study by travel Web site Expedia.ca and marketing researcher Ipsos Reid, Canadian workers take an average of 19 vacation days a year. That ranks us third on the list of vacation-deprived nations, after the U.S. (14 days) and Australia (17 days).

As many as 24 per cent of Canadians won’t use all the vacation time they are allowed this year. On average, they forfeit two vacation days, or a total of 32 million days. That puts $5.1 billion in wages back into the hands of their employers — but there's a much greater cost.

Is This You?

According to the survey, Canadians don’t take their vacation time because they: 

·                    Aren’t scheduling in advance (11 per cent). 

·                    Are too busy at work (nine per cent). 

·                    Opt to take cash instead (eight per cent). 

When you don't take holidays, stress can weaken your immune system, strain your personal relationships, and worsen work performance. Scientists are only now beginning to understand what happens when stress interferes with the interplay between the brain, the endocrine system and the immune system. Stress can be devastating to the body and it can kill!
 

You’re wrong if you think that you are doing something wonderful for your job or your company if you work instead of taking your vacation! In fact, a study by the Conference Board of Canada a few years ago estimated that employee burnout costs Canadian businesses about $12 billion a year in health claims, lost productivity and absenteeism.

The daily pressures of life - jobs, relationships, money, raising children and now war and terrorism, have become such constant companions that many of us operate with the constant feelings of anxiety, pressure or burnout. Many of us have accepted stress as a standard part of life. Although we may try to ignore it - stress doesn't go away. It just goes to work inside the body.
 

How we cope with stress is crucial for our health! Click here for a free 3-minute guided meditation (designed to fit into your busy life) to help you ease some of your daily stress. 

It’s summertime – take your vacation and enjoy!

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About the Author:

Sue Millingen is President and Founder of Well Now Inc. www.wellnow.ca 
With a background in corporate communications and communicating wellness programs, Sue has successfully created many vehicles to educate and create awareness.sue@wellnow.ca or 1-866-WELLNOW